In recent years, awareness of green building and the use of recycled materials in construction has risen globally and naturally reached Israel as well. This trend not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers economic advantages and improved health for building occupants.
In today’s world, where natural resources are depleting and ecological pollution is on the rise, developing innovative and responsible solutions in construction has become more critical than ever.
Green building is an approach in which the planning, execution and maintenance of structures are carried out with environmental responsibility in mind, by reducing the ecological footprint of buildings and minimizing the consumption of natural resources. This includes smart design that lowers energy use, adoption of renewable energy sources, the selection of high-quality non-polluting materials and the creation of healthy, inviting living spaces. Key elements include maximizing natural light, ventilation and easy maintenance.
The impact of green building extends well beyond the construction phase, continuing throughout the building’s life cycle. It leads to savings in energy and water, greater insulation that reduces the need for air conditioning and material recycling solutions in urban renewal and construction processes.
In recent years, Israel adopted Standard 5281 for green building, which defines clear criteria for sustainable buildings across nine core areas: energy, water, land, transportation, health and well-being and more. A building that scores above 55 points is considered “green,” with higher scores indicating an even greater level of environmental friendliness.
Global and local technology companies are at the forefront of green building, advancing projects that meet strict environmental standards. One standout example is the Amdocs campus in Ra’anana, a groundbreaking project certified to LEED Gold standards. It serves as a leading Israeli example of smart design aligned with the highest international principles of green construction.
Margolin Engineering & Consulting Co-CEO Yossi Valass Photo: CourtesyIn addition, companies like Microsoft and Google have launched similar projects, focused on advanced technologies and resource efficiency. For many high-tech firms and global corporations, green offices align with their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies, which emphasize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, waste management and preserving natural resources. Green-built workplaces have become an integral part of these strategies.
Over time, construction materials have also evolved, with modern buildings increasingly relying on advanced materials such as glass and aluminum, integrated with technologies that reduce energy use and pollution. Materials once considered safe, such as asbestos, have been banned due to health risks. Urban renewal projects have also embraced material recycling: steel is separated from concrete for reuse, while crushed concrete is repurposed as backfill in infrastructure projects.
Although green building can seem more expensive in the short term, in the long run, it significantly reduces maintenance costs. Lower energy waste, water conservation and reliance on renewable sources directly cut operating expenses for tenants.
Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies and smart solutions ensures that green construction is not only economically viable but also contributes meaningfully to environmental protection while dramatically improving quality of life for residents and building users.
With ongoing growth and innovation, the future of green building is set to encompass both public and private sector projects. Advanced solutions such as green roofs and high energy efficiency will become increasingly common. As technologies continue to evolve, we will gain new tools to make construction more ecological, economical and sustainable, turning every building into part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
- The author is co-CEO of Margolin Engineering & Consulting Ltd.