what is green building?
Sustainable or "green" building is an integrated approach to the design, construction and operation of a building that minimizes negative environmental effects. The basic precepts of green building are based on tenets of sustainability such as the CERES and Hannover Principles. As a result, green buildings are a model of resource conservation, most notably in their treatment of water and energy efficiency and renewable energy use. A green building minimizes waste and prevents pollution while reducing operation and maintenance costs. In addition to protecting occupant health and improving productivity, green building design addresses issues such as land restoration, historical preservation and access to transportation and other community infrastructure systems.
what is LEED®?
Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance sustainable buildings. It is administered from the non-profit group, USGBC. By establishing a common standard of measurement, LEED® provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. LEED® promotes consumer awareness of green building benefits.
what are the benefits of sustainably design buildings?
- Reduced cost
- Reduced operating cost
- Marketing benefits in the form of free publicity and product differentiation
- Valuation premiums and enhanced absorption rates
- Possibility of streamlined approvals
- Health and productivity gains
- Staying ahead of regulations
- New business opportunities
- Satisfaction from doing the right thing
