Green Construction, Energy Conservation, Pollution, Environmental Degradation, and Global Warming — these buzzwords evoke strong emotions.
If your goal is to ensure that we are working towards sustainable practices and constructing buildings with minimal impacts on global warming, it is essential to follow specific guidelines for building green.
The ideology of building green in the United States began in the late 1980s. In 1989, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) established the Committee on the Environment. This was followed by the AIA publishing an Environmental Resource Guide in 1992.
That same year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy launched the Energy Star Program – Austin, Texas, introduced the first local green building program in 1992.
In 1993, during the Clinton Administration, the initiative known as the “Greening of the White House” was launched, and the U.S. Green Building Council was founded as a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This organization promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation while supporting the development of prosperous, healthy, and resilient communities through transforming the built environment.
The early initiatives laid the groundwork for the Energy Policy Act of 2005, establishing federal standards for sustainable building performance.
In 2006, an Environmental Scorecard for federal agencies was introduced. President Bush signed Executive Order 13423 to enhance the management of federal environments, energy, and transportation. This order outlines federal goals for sustainable design and the development of high-performance buildings.
Green buildings are designed to minimize the overall impact on human health and the natural environment.
– Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
– Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
– Reducing waste, pollution, and environmental degradation
– Reused material
– Recycled-content items
– Products made from renewable resources
– Energy-efficient materials
We can create healthier indoor environments with minimal pollutants by using products that have reduced emissions and incorporating landscaping with native plants that conserve water without requiring extra irrigation.
The EPA is an excellent resource for understanding the components of green building.
Along with the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR program, the EPA promotes partnerships among homebuilders, office building managers, product manufacturers, and many others. The goal of the ENERGY STAR program is to encourage energy efficiency in all types of buildings, not just new homes.
ENERGY STAR offers resources for new homes, home improvements, and businesses. The EPA has a Green Power Partnership that provides information about renewable power sources and their benefits.
What’s more is that building green can be a financially smart decision. Many green building subsidies exist for construction with and adoption of solar panels and other forms of renewable energy by means of tax credits, grants, or expedited permitting.
Plus, many individuals and businesses find green buildings attractive because they create less waste and can help you save on your power bill by consuming less water, gas, and so on.
What does this mean for you, and how can you take action?
At Hubexo, we provide information about various building projects. Whether you’re looking for project leads, site selection information, market intelligence, streamlined bidding, or easy-to-use construction management software, Hubexo has you covered.
Want to search for green building projects nationwide? Learn more about ConstructionWire!
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