Conserve Nature

Posts Tagged ‘Market’

Article by Elaine VonCannon

Green building is not a new concept, nor is it only for hippies and anarchists. Green building is a new wave of responsible, environmentally conscious and energy-efficient people coming together to create a healthier and less toxic world for our children and grandchildren. According to the Rick Fedrizzi, President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council the Green building construction market has grown from $ 0 in 2000 to $ 33 billion dollars as of the close of 2004. There are many ways to build green, but first lets discuss some of the reasons why you want to build green.

Why Does Green Building Matter?

According to the Global Green USA website http://www.globalgreen.org building, construction, demolition and the manufacturing of building materials “contribute significantly to environmental problems”. In the United States building account for thirty-six percent of the total energy use, sixty-five percent of electricity consumption, thirty percent of greenhouse gas emissions, thirty percent of raw materials use, thirty percent of waste output (annually 136 tons), and twelve percent of potable water consumption. Global Green also estimates that a 1700 square foot home uses one acre of forest. On top of this, the buildings being constructed in our country are not healthy and thirty percent of the buildings have poor air quality, which according to studies by the US Army and the American Medical Association cost US companies approximately $ 15 billion in productivity losses annually. The Global Green USA web site states, “By the year 2010, another 38 million buildings are expected to be constructed in the US, bringing our country’s total to over 100 million. The challenge is to build those new buildings, and renovate the older ones, in ways that reverse these unhealthy trends. Fortunately, there are ways we – as consumers, designers, builders and product manufacturers – can respond to this challenge. By building green, we can assist in preserving natural habitats, watersheds, and ecosystems, protect air and water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste, all while conserving natural resources and creating healthier indoor and outdoor environments.”

How Can Green Building Benefit Me?

Green building positively impacts both economics and public health. Homes and commercial buildings have lower operating expenses, material durability increases so maintenance and repair decreases, and the use of non-toxic materials can protect your employees or the whole family, especially children, from respiratory and other diseases. Green building also builds community by helping homes and other structures to blend and help the environment rather than disturb it.