GREEN BUILDING 

 Getting Ready for CalGREEN

Now is the time to find out HOW this new code is being implemented.

The new CALGreen code mandates new building requirements for new residential and commercial construction in California as of January 1 st , 2011.  As a design or building professional, these regulations will impact your planning and construction activities.

Green Technology's CALGreen training, developed in partnership with the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, has proven the most popular and effective introduction to this new code. Learn More...    

 

The 2012 Green California Summit & Expo, the largest annual event focused on green policy, practice and technology, comes to the Sacramento Convention Center on April 26 & 27. Now in its sixth year, the Summit will feature 150 companies offering green products and services, as well as keynote speakers, educational sessions, a special full-day green curriculum workshop, leadership awards, a Green Auto Mall and networking opportunities. Group discounts available. Expo and keynotes are free. For information and to register, go to: www.green-technology.org/gcsummit/or call Cindy Dangberg at 626-577-5700. Use promo code ABC when registering for 20% off!



 


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.  

Benefits of Building Green
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


Components of Building Green
Water Efficiency
Environmentally Preferable Building Materials and Specifications
Waste Reduction
Toxics Reduction
Indoor Air Quality
Smart Growth and Sustainable Development  


Green Building Rating Systems

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