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Table 1 Major features of green building literacy

From: Green building literacy: a framework for advancing green building education

Dimension

 

Description

Green building knowledge and skills

 Factual knowledge

Knowledge of the various components of green building design (e.g., wind turbines, recycled content materials, or dual-flush toilets)

 Conceptual knowledge

Knowledge of the relationships between elements within green buildings (e.g., how operating windows affects cooling systems) and between buildings and other built and natural systems (e.g., the dangers of glass facades for birds)

 Procedural knowledge (skills)

Skills such as making design choices (e.g., picking eco-friendly furniture), analyzing the performance of the design (e.g., monitoring solar panels), or properly operating green buildings (e.g., knowing how to operate the window shades to reduce solar gain in the afternoon sun)

Affective dispositions and green buildings

 Dispositions that contribute to green building practices

Baseline attitudes and values that may impact the acquisition of green building knowledge and the adoption of green building behaviors (e.g., environmental sensitivity, personal responsibility, self-efficacy, locus of control, behavioral willingness)

 Dispositions that result from green building practices

Attitudes and values that may result from sustained engagement with a green building (e.g., environmental sensitivity and place attachment)

Behaviors and green buildings

 Advancing green building practices

Seeking knowledge about or advocating for green building practices individually or collectively and at various levels (personal, family, community, governmental, etc.) (e.g., researching green buildings, encouraging parents to experiment at home with green building features, or working with peers to contact policy makers)

 Behaviors within green buildings

Participating in environmentally responsible behaviors in and around green buildings (e.g., recycling, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or turning off lights)