Green Building in Algeria: From Environmental Commitment to Economic Imperative

Abstract

The promotion of green building practices in Algeria represents a strategic pathway toward achieving sustainable and balanced economic development. This approach integrates environmental protection, efficient resource use, and long-term economic performance within the construction sector. Green building in Algeria has evolved from being a purely environmental initiative aimed at ecosystem preservation into an economic necessity driven by rising energy consumption, increasing pressure on natural resources, and the urgent demand for sustainable urban development. This study aims to examine the concept and core principles of green building, while analyzing its economic, environmental, and social dimensions in the Algerian context. A descriptive–analytical and comparative methodology is adopted to assess the current state of the construction sector, contrast green and conventional buildings, and identify the key challenges and opportunities associated with the large-scale adoption of green construction practices.

The findings indicate that green building contributes significantly to reducing energy and water consumption, lowering carbon emissions, decreasing long-term operational costs, and enhancing property value. Despite these advantages, the widespread implementation of green building in Algeria remains constrained by high initial investment costs, limited technical expertise, insufficient regulatory frameworks, and low public awareness. The study concludes that green building is no longer an optional environmental choice, but rather an economic imperative for achieving sustainable development in Algeria. Policy recommendations are proposed to strengthen legislative frameworks, financial incentives, and institutional coordination in order to accelerate the transition toward sustainable construction.