Upcoming Green Class:
Green Building 101
Tuesdays in April, 2010
Register Now
Introduction to LEED
May 1, 2010
Register Now
What Is Green Building?
Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources - energy, water and materials - while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building's lifecycle - design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.
In the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings account for:
39% of total energy use
12% of total water consumption
68% of total electricity consumption
38% of carbon dioxide emissions
Utilizing green building practices can be beneficial to the environment, human health and the economy as stated by the EPA:
Environmental Benefits
- Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce waste streams
- Conserve and restore natural resources
Economic Benefits
- Reduce operating costs
- Create, expand and shape markets for green products and services
- Improve occupant productivity
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Social Benefits
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Heighten aesthetic qualities
- Minimize strain on local infrastructure
- Improve overall quality of life
Water Efficiency
Environmentally Preferable Building Materials and Specifications
Waste Reduction
Toxics Reduction
Indoor Air Quality
Smart Growth and Sustainable Development
Green Globes™
Green Globes is a green management tool that includes an assessment protocol and a rating system and guide for integrating environmentally friendly design into both new and existing commercial buildings.
LEED Rating Systems
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is a third-party certification program and benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED provides building owners and operators with the tools they need to have an immediate and measureable impact on their buildings’ performance.
ABC National Launches New Green Website
ABC Launches a new Green Website focused on ABC's commitment to sustainability and the green building industry.
Visit the New Website
