Why Build Green?
In the United States, buildings account for:
- 39% of total energy use
- 12% of the total water consumption
- 68% of total electricity consumption
- 38% of the carbon dioxide emissions
The built environment has a vast impact on the environment, human health, and the economy. Adopting green building strategies can maximize both economic and environmental performance. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction to renovation and demolition. However, the most significant benefits arise if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project. Potential benefits of green building include:
Environmental benefits
- Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce waste streams
- Conserve and restore natural resources
Economic benefits
- Reduce operating costs
- Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services
- Improve occupant productivity
- Optimize lifecycle economic performance
Social benefits
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Heighten aesthetic qualities
- Minimize strain on local infrastructure
- Improve overall quality of life
LEED®: the “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” Green Building Rating System, is the nationally accepted standard for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) membership.
LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) is designed to compliment the LEED Green Building Rating System for new construction and renovations. LEED-EB is applicable to existing buildings that are seeking LEED Certification for the first time as well as projects previously certified under LEED standards for new construction. LEED-EB provides the opportunity for building owners and operators to meet their sustainable operations goals and to reduce the impacts of their buildings on the environment and occupant health over their entire lifecycle.
The following information on Green Buildings is taken from the Environmental Protection Agency.
