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The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and productivity.
In the United States alone, buildings on average account for:
- 72% of electricity consumption
- 39% of energy use
- 38% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
- 40% of raw materials use
- 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually)
- 14% of potable water consumption
Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and
resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation
and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility,
durability, and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building.
Smart growth is development that serves the economy, the community, and the environment by supporting healthy communities
while creating economic development and jobs. Sustainability, or sustainable development, is the ability to achieve continuing economic prosperity while protecting the natural systems of the planet and providing a high quality of life for its people.
Green building fits nicely with these concepts, as it promotes building practices that conserve energy and water resources,
preserve open spaces through brownfield development, and are accessible to public transportation.
The successful adoption of green building strategies can maximize both the economic and environmental performance of
buildings. Research continues to identify and clarify all of these benefits and costs of green building, and of how to achieve
the greatest benefits at the lowest costs.
List of Green Tips and Recommendations
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