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G R E E N C O N S T R U C T I O N F E A T U R E S
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... for a cleaner, more energy efficient building |
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ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES
REDUCED OPERATION COSTS - Energy and water efficient buildings operating costs are significantly lower than buildings using traditional building methods.
REDUCED PROJECT COSTS - Green building projects that are well integrated can result in lower project development costs. Rehabilitating an existing building can lower infrastructure and materials costs.
ENHANCED ASSET VALUE AND PROFTS - A high performance environment can yield valuable gains in labor productivity, retail sales and manufacturing quality, and output. These improvements combined with lower operating cost create a key competitive advantage and improve real estate value.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES
REDUCED DESTRUCTION of NATURAL AREAS and HABITATS - Construction destroys or seriously impacts forests, fields, wildlife corridors, wetlands and agricultural areas. This can be avoided by choosing to build on a site that is already developed.
Urban sprawl has become an important national issue, especially in the Northeast. Rehabilitation of existing buildings, infill development, and brownfields development can reduce sprawl.
REDUCE AIR AND WATER POLUTION AND SOLID WASTE - Buildings are major contributors to global warming. Energy efficiency can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from the building sector. The EPA estimates that the use of energy efficient lighting alone would be the equivalent of getting 15 million cars off the road in terms of carbon dioxide reduction.
Current construction practices create 2 and one half pounds of solid waste per square foot. Much of this could be recycled, saving landfill space and fees. Reduce Depletion of Finite Resources
Buildings consume 25% of virgin wood and 40% of raw stone, gravel, and sand.
HEALTH & SAFETY ADVANTAGES
Better indoor air quality can improve health and productivity and reduce liability risks.
HEALTHIER AND SAFER INDOOR EVIRONMENTS - Americans spend 80% to 90% of their time indoors; therefore, the quality of indoor environment is very important for health, productivity, and quality of life.
Productivity can be increased, absenteeism reduced, and morale improved. People like working, going to school, and doing other indoor activities in spaces that use green design strategies.
HEATHIER OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS - By reducing environmental pollutants, the need for landfills, and other environmental degradation, green design results in healthier outdoor environments as well.
PERSONAL SATISFACTION - Occupants of green buildings tend to find these buildings very pleasant. This is reflected in less absenteeism and greater productivity.
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