Simply put, Building Green is a system of best practices for the construction industry, taking into account the effects of building on human health and the environment while attempting to increase the efficiency with which we use energy, water, and materials.
Building green takes appropriate measures to properly ventilate and filter the air without taking an energy penalty.
On average, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, which is significant as the average indoor air quality has been found to be two to five times worse than outdoor air quality. The American Lung Association (ALA) of Washington links a variety of mild-to-severe physical symptoms to inadequate or poor air quality, including asthma depression, and cancer. Mold, mildew, dust, and toxic chemicals from common building materials are the main offenders of indoor air quality in today’s homes. Green building uses healthier building materials and strategies to reduce the occurrence of these pollutants. Also, as today’s homes are built more airtight, these pollutants are sometimes trapped indoors. Building green takes appropriate measures to properly ventilate and filter the air without taking an energy penalty.
Green buildings are more comfortable as they are designed to take advantage of natural light, natural heat, and natural ventilation. Green buildings should also regulate humidity, eliminate air infiltration and drafts, and integrate fresh air.
Building green typically yields life cycle savings of over ten times the initial investment
A study developed by the California Sustainable Building Task Force found that on average, green buildings use 30 percent less energy than conventional buildings, and that a minimal upfront investment of about 2 percent of construction costs typically yields life cycle savings of over ten times the initial investment. Whether you are building a new home or performing an energy audit remodel, green strategies and systems will save you money every month on your utility bills
Using strategies and materials focused on lengthening the lifespan of the building’s components, building green saves resources and money.
Energy Efficient homes produce less carbon emissions. The energy consumed in a home makes up 47% of the total CO2 emissions of a typical family, which can easily be decreased through implementing green strategies.
Using materials efficiently, having a jobsite recycling plan, and using recycled materials reduces demand for virgin resources and stress on landfills
Efficient water use reduces the demand on water supply. Using sustainable construction and landscaping practices reduces runoff, unnecessary earth compaction, erosion, and leaves the land and water around it as natural as possible.