By Mary Klett, Writer, ASA Communications Team
In a nutshell, it’s about implementing ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle – thereby saving energy and natural resources, and creating a space that creates a more enjoyable work/living environment.
Almost 90% of our daily lives are spent indoors. We live, learn and work in buildings, and the environments within and around our buildings have a strong influence on our productivity, health and overall well-being. Today, buildings are responsible for more than 40 percent of global energy usage, and as much as one third of greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, more than half of the global population lives in cities, and it is projected that during the next two decades, more than 1 million people will move to cities every week. These fast-growing cities are facing higher congestion, waste and needs of basic services.
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So new construction techniques are taking shape: Green rooftops that compost waste from on-site cafeterias, incorporating salvaged materials into the project, hybrid energy system (renewable + traditional), passive solar, eletrochromic glass, self-healing concrete. Whether new or refurbished, buildings are incorporating sustainable operational and constructional strategies.
The areas targeted with sustainable construction include:
COST
More expensive to build a sustainable building – offset by reduced operational costs, increased property value, healthier and more productive work space, high quality.
In a study of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings, there is on average an additional cost of up to 2% over traditional construction techniques, but the additional upfront cost is trending downwards. Additional investment typically yields life cycle savings of more than 10 times the initial investments.
Added Value
Tax Breaks
Tax breaks and other incentives available for green building vary from one state to another and within a state they can vary from one local to another. DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency) provides a database with up-to-date information by state. DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on Federal and State incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Https://www.dsireusa.org
Mary Klett is a communications and marketing professional, bringing more than 20 years of writing and research experience to share the best information on a given topic. Mary is a member of the ASA Communications Team.
