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Building Green

Building green is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use, save, and distribute energy, water, and materials. It also includes using healthier and more resourceful efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. As awareness increases of the negative effects irresponsible use of energy have on the environment, the concept of environmentally friendly building has grown greatly in popularity.

Right now, in the United States, buildings account for 12 percent of total water consumption, 38 percent of carbon emissions, 40 percent of total energy use and 68 percent of electricity consumption. A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout its entire life cycle. In other words, if all building in the US were to take on this challenge, the environment would be in much better shape.

“Green building” tactics can be practiced and enforced at any stage during the building process, but are best if implemented at the beginning of the planning and construction. Some environmental, economic, and social benefits of building green include: improved air quality, a reduction in waste steams, conserved and restored natural resources, reduction in operating costs, improved occupant productivity and a minimal strain on local infrastructure.

 

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