GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Green construction is defined as, "An organized effort to design and build buildings using a process and materials which promote environmental sustainability.. Using specialized architectural design, building techniques, and environmentally friendly construction products we can construct for you a new facility that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly."

According to the United States Green Building Council, buildings in the United States alone account for:

• 65% of electricity consumption,
• 36% of energy use
• 30% of greenhouse gas emissions,
• 30% of raw materials use,
• 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
• 12% of potable water consumption.

The purpose of using Green Building techniques are to lower these numbers. Buildings can be designed to utilize the maximum potential of natural sunlight, use efficient and low energy mechanical systems and appliances, use high efficiency light fixtures that operate on timers and dimmers to conserve energy, use recycled building materials or environmentally friendly products, and much, much more.

While the initial cost of building a Green Building may be higher then conventional construction, the long term benefits greatly outweight the initial cost. The benefits of Green Building can be broken down into three categories: Environmental, economical, and health and community benefits.

Environmental:

• Enhance and protect ecosystem and biodiversity
• Improve air and water quality
• Reduce solid waste
• Conserve natural resources

Economical:

• Reduce operating costs
• Enhance asset value and profits
• Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
• Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health & Community:

• Improve, air, thermal, and acoustic environments
• Enhance occupant comfort and health
• Minimize strain and local infrastructure
• Contribute to overall quality of life

Green Building techniques are not just for new building construction; the principals of Green construction can be used for your existing structures as well. Improvements such as high efficiency lighting fixtures, timers and dimming systems for lights, high efficiency mechanical systems, improved building insulation, and the use of environmentally friendly chemicals are all ways you can improve your existing structure.

If reducing your impact on the environment while reducing operating costs for your business is an important part of your next construction project, contact us to discuss Green Building techniques that can be used on your project.

For more information about the USGBC visit them on the web at www.usgbc.org