Sustainable Building Save Money While Saving the Environment

摘要

Not too long ago, a "green building" meant the color a structure was painted. Not today, though, when environmentally sustainable building practices are being embraced by Owners and builders. The new building concepts have been spurred by the creation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or L.E.E.D., certification by the United States Green Building Council, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C. According to the USGBC, which began the certification process in 1998, American buildings account for 36 percent of total energy use, 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and 30 percent of raw materials use. They generate 30 percent of the solid waste, and use 12 percent of the potable water supply. "Green" or "sustainable" structures use key resources such as energy, water, materials, and land more efficiently than buildings that are constructed to regular building codes. Green buildings tend to create healthier work, learning, and living environments, with more natural light and better air quality.