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Green building or “sustainable” building is an approach to design and construction that maximizes energy and resource efficiency, protects the environment, and promotes healthier places to live and work.
Green building is important not just for its environmental benefits, but also for its economic and health benefits. Green building reduces the everyday energy costs for owners and renters, and provides significantly better indoor air quality for occupants.
Green building considers the entire life cycle of a structure and its component parts, focusing on efficiency in operating costs, as well as initial construction costs.
The specific elements of green building include the following (from Green Communities Criteria):
- Integrated Design Process - sustainable building strategies are considered from the earliest stages of project planning, with a LEED-accredited professional or experienced green building design specialist participating at every stage.
- Location and Neighborhood Fabric - locations that conserve resources, take advantage of existing infrastructure and civic amenities, are close to transportation and contribute to the fabric of healthy, livable communities.
- Site Improvements - chosen to conserve natural resources, improve operational efficiencies, enhance health and promote non-automotive means of transit.
- Water Conservation - utilization of water-efficient appliances and fixtures, low water landscaping and irrigation, and use of rainwater and graywater (water recaptured and recycled from showers, sinks and clothes washers) when possible.
- Energy Efficiency - a guiding principle in all stages of development, including efficient construction methods, design and insulation of units for efficient heating and cooling, use of Energy Star appliances, and efficient interior and exterior lighting.
- Materials Beneficial to the Environment - including reuse and recycling on the construction site to decrease waste, and use of building products and techniques that contribute to more durable, healthy and resource-efficient buildings.
- Healthy Living Environment - including the use on safe biodegradable materials such as Low/No VOC paints and primers, adhesives, and sealants; use of materials and construction techniques to reduce mold and ensure adequate ventilation; garage isolation.
- Operations and Maintenance - training for employees and residents to explain and assist in the preservation of the property’s green character.
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