Environmental Corner:
Green Building Design
Dan Bennett
NHADA Environmental Specialist
The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and productivity.
In the United States alone, buildings account for:
- 70 percent of electricity consumption
- 39 percent of energy use
- 39 percent of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
- 40 percent of raw materials use
- 30 percent of waste output (136 million tons annually)
- 12 percent of potable water consumption
One area of your operations where you may have a tremendous positive impact on environmental protection and your bottom line is the construction and design of your facility. Green building and design strategies can be utilized for new construction as well as remodels and upgrades.
Green buildings, also known as high-performance buildings, use a multi-faceted approach to construction and operation that incorporates site planning, indoor environmental quality, energy usage, water management, and material use.
Benefits of Green Building (taken from the U.S. Green Building Council)
Environmental benefits:
- Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce solid waste
- Conserve natural resources
Economic benefits:
- Reduce operating costs
- Enhance asset value and profits
- Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Health and community benefits:
- Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Minimize strain on local infrastructure
- Contribute to overall quality of life
NHADA supports and believes that when weighing facility building decisions, the above benefits make straightforward common sense; we encourage you to consider them and incorporate them into your business model.
NHADA can provide a variety of resources on green building and high performance design as can our Bronze-level Association Program Partner Jewett Construction.
Please contact me with questions on this or any environmental-related matter at dbennett@nhada.com or at 800-852-3372.
