What Does It Mean To Build Green

3/8/2007

(NAPSI)-While most of us know that green building is good for the environment, creates healthier living and work spaces, and lowers operating costs, not everyone knows exactly what it means to build green.

According to the Green Building Initiative (GBI), a nonprofit organization formed to help educate builders and consumers, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. But a green structure will adhere to certain fundamental principles, whether it's a home, school, industrial park or office tower. For example:

Green buildings are energy efficient. In addition to saving money, this helps to minimize pollution (including carbon dioxide emissions, which are a major cause of global warming).

They're water efficient, which is becoming increasingly important as the population -- and demand -- grows. Last year, a group of U.S. mayors conducted a survey and found that 40 percent of their cities won't have an adequate supply of water in 20 years.

They're resource efficient. Among other things, this means using fewer materials, choosing recycled content materials, using wood that's certified as having come from a sustainably managed forest, and reducing waste.

The financial benefits of building green include utility companies offering cash incentives to encourage energy and water efficiency, while different levels of government offer tax deductions and other incentives such as fast-tracking the building approval process.

For information on what to look for in a green-built home, the National Association of Home Builders' Model Green Home Building Guidelines (www.nahb.org) are an excellent resource.