What Is the Definition of Green Building?
Green building uses construction practices and materials that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient from the design phase through to maintenance, and ideally to renovation and deconstruction as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Benefits
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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, green buildings use energy, water and other resources more efficiently; protect occupant health and improve employee productivity; and reduce waste, pollution and environmental degradation.
Practical Considerations
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When planning a green building, architects must consider what aspects of the building will be "green." Many times it isn't practical to build every single bit of the building with green components. Sometimes they interfere with the function of the building, are prohibitively expensive, or are not available for the area of the country in which the building is being constructed.
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Energy Efficiency
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According to the Green Building Council, increasing building efficiency can meet 85 percent of future energy needs.
Federal Commitment
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The U.S. Government has committed to "greening" federal buildings. There are also grants for businesses and individuals to defer the costs of some of the more expensive features of green buildings such as solar roofs.
LEED Certification
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A building can be considered green without garnering a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification. LEED certification typically costs around $2 000, as of 2009.
Fun Fact
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The Presidential Library of William Jefferson Clinton, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, received the highest LEED certification in November 2007.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Courtesy of Melissa Gasser Myers on Wikimedia Commons
