Going Green on Design!
The Benefits of Green Building
In light of rising energy costs and increasingly scarce natural resources, it is not surprising that the global green building market is growing rapidly, with many countries such as the U.S. and India experiencing double-digit annual growth.
With strategies that include using recycled building materials, installing energy saving appliances, and maximizing natural lighting in building design, green buildings typically reduce energy use by 25 to 35 percent–up to 80 percent in some of the best performing buildings–resulting in significant long-term cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Some research also shows a positive link between green office spaces and employee productivity, retention and health (LEED-ND, 2006), which also have large, although not easily quantifiable, economic benefits (see Figure 2). Green buildings generally obtain these benefits from design adaptations as opposed to new technologies. For example:
* Studies estimate that using recycled building materials saves 12 to 40 percent of the total energy used during materials production (UNEP SBCI, 2007).
* Designing durable and adaptable buildings reduces the energy costs of demolition and new construction.
* Using non-toxic paints, glues and building materials prevent additional environmental impact and high waste treatment / disposal costs during demolition.
* Widely available energy efficient appliances create energy savings while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
* Strategic building design can maximize natural lighting and ventilation, which reduces energy needs and improves indoor air quality.
* A dual plumbing system can utilize recycled water (not suitable for drinking) for flushing toilets.
more on:
http://earthtrends.wri.org/updates/node/232