What is a Green Building?

 

In the United States, buildings account for nearly 40 percent of total energy use, 12 percent of water consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions released into the Earth’s atmosphere. With energy costs expected to remain volatile for the near future, more states and cities are adopting regulations that encourage or require buildings to be green and energy-efficient. Green buildings use 30 percent less energy on average than a standard building.

But what exactly is a green building?

A green building is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. The building is operated on the principle of “reduce, reuse and recycle” while providing the best possible environment for occupants. Some benefits include improved indoor air quality for a healthy, productive environment and lower operating costs over the life of a building.

Green construction benefits can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction and renovation.

While there’s no button to press to suddenly transform a building, steps can be followed to make a building greener. By assessing a building’s energy consumption, water use, recycling and waste practices, and even transportation options available — we can all play a role in reducing the impact on the environment.