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Sustainable Building Methods
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| The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. Breakthroughs in building science, technology and operations are now available to designers, builders, operators and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is coordinating the establishment and evolution of a national consensus effort to provide the industry with tools necessary to design, build and operate buildings that deliver high performance inside and out. Council members work together to develop industry standards, design and construction practices and guidelines, policy positions and educational tools that support the adoption of sustainable design and building practices. Members also forge strategic alliances with key industry and research organizations, federal government agencies and state and local governments to transform the built environment. |
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Find out more by visiting the
U.S. Green Building Council
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Why Make Your Building Green?
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The environmental impact of the building design, construction and operation industry is significant. Buildings annually consume more than 30% of the total energy and more that 60% of the electricity used in the U.S. Each day five billion gallons of potable water is used solely to flush toilets. A typical North American commercial construction project generates up to 2.5 pounds of solid waste per square foot of completed floor space. Development shifts land usage away from natural, biologically-diverse habitats to hardscape that is impervious and devoid of biodiversity. The far reaching influence of the built environment necessitates action to reduce its impact.
Green building practices can substantially reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts and improve existing unsustainable design, construction and operational practices. As an added benefit, green design measures reduce operating costs, enhance building marketability, increase worker productivity, and reduce potential liability resulting from indoor air quality problems. |
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