Which of the following is a characteristic of green buildings?

Green buildings are designed with a focus on sustainability and the well-being of their occupants. One of the defining characteristics of green buildings is their emphasis on enhanced indoor environmental quality. This encompasses a variety of factors, including improved air quality, natural lighting, thermal comfort, and the use of non-toxic materials.

In green buildings, proper ventilation is prioritized to reduce pollutants and provide a healthier indoor environment. This focus on enhancing the experience of occupants not only contributes to their health and well-being but can also lead to increased productivity and comfort.

The other options highlight aspects that contradict the principles of sustainability and occupant health that green buildings seek to address. High maintenance costs and the use of non-recyclable materials are counterproductive to the goals of reducing environmental impact and operational efficiency, whereas inferior air quality directly conflicts with the mission of promoting health and sustainability within the built environment. Thus, enhanced indoor environmental quality stands out as a vital characteristic of green buildings.