"Green" design is no longer the future, it is here now. Just like the hybrid cars on the roads and the recycling going on in our offices and homes, green design is here to stay. What is a green building project? Why should we go green? How much does this cost?
Sustainable, or "green," design promotes environmentally responsible, healthy, and profitable projects. The intent of sustainability is to meet the needs of the present while considering the needs of the future. It incorporates environmentally sound site planning, selecting proper building materials and equipment, integrating building systems, efficient energy and water usage, providing a higher quality indoor environment, and managing construction waste.
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program to provide a guideline and rating system for green projects. LEED is currently the most recognizable green building standard, but a project does not actually need to be LEED certified to be sustainable. There are a lot of choices when it comes to creating a sustainable project.
Building green is really just taking advantage of current information and new technologies to create a better sustainable project. It is also a huge step in managing and conserving our natural resources by promoting improved indoor and outdoor environments. Natural resources for construction, like all other natural resources, are becoming more and more expensive, and need to be conserved and managed. Recycling building components or specifying recycled content materials reduces the amount of construction waste that goes to a landfill. Energy efficient systems reduce costs and energy consumption which reduces the consumption of natural resources and decreases pollution. Building green also affects the occupants and tenants in a positive way. The tenants will benefit from a healthy work environment, marketability, and increased sales. We once asked "Why should we go green?" and now ask "Why SHOULDN'T we go green?"
What is a green project going to cost? Green projects are usually perceived to be more expensive than conventional construction, but this is not always the case. There are many ways to offset the costs of systems, and there are many green options that cost the same as conventional construction. The key to keeping construction costs low is to start the green process early in the design phase. Choosing the right team, building materials and systems can keep costs down and go a long way towards creating an environmentally friendly project. Going green can also lead to rebates from utility companies, tax incentives, reduced fees and expedited plan checks for building permits which can offset some increases in initial cost.
BodyWorks has started the GREEN transformation and will continue to do whatever is possible, over the years to come.
Green projects are not a fad and soon will be the standard for all projects. Many municipalities are looking more favorably on green projects. Working together, you can build projects within budget, and do it for the good of our planet and society today, and the future.
Sustainable, or "green," design promotes environmentally responsible, healthy, and profitable projects. The intent of sustainability is to meet the needs of the present while considering the needs of the future. It incorporates environmentally sound site planning, selecting proper building materials and equipment, integrating building systems, efficient energy and water usage, providing a higher quality indoor environment, and managing construction waste.
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program to provide a guideline and rating system for green projects. LEED is currently the most recognizable green building standard, but a project does not actually need to be LEED certified to be sustainable. There are a lot of choices when it comes to creating a sustainable project.
Building green is really just taking advantage of current information and new technologies to create a better sustainable project. It is also a huge step in managing and conserving our natural resources by promoting improved indoor and outdoor environments. Natural resources for construction, like all other natural resources, are becoming more and more expensive, and need to be conserved and managed. Recycling building components or specifying recycled content materials reduces the amount of construction waste that goes to a landfill. Energy efficient systems reduce costs and energy consumption which reduces the consumption of natural resources and decreases pollution. Building green also affects the occupants and tenants in a positive way. The tenants will benefit from a healthy work environment, marketability, and increased sales. We once asked "Why should we go green?" and now ask "Why SHOULDN'T we go green?"
What is a green project going to cost? Green projects are usually perceived to be more expensive than conventional construction, but this is not always the case. There are many ways to offset the costs of systems, and there are many green options that cost the same as conventional construction. The key to keeping construction costs low is to start the green process early in the design phase. Choosing the right team, building materials and systems can keep costs down and go a long way towards creating an environmentally friendly project. Going green can also lead to rebates from utility companies, tax incentives, reduced fees and expedited plan checks for building permits which can offset some increases in initial cost.
BodyWorks has started the GREEN transformation and will continue to do whatever is possible, over the years to come.
- BodyWorks encourages alternative transportation, such as bike racks and public transportation stops to come to our center.
- We provide on-site recyclable collection areas.
- Use energy friendly and high efficiency fitness equipment.
- Shade openings during summer and allow sunlight to enter during winter.
- Incorporate daylighting design techniques (clerestory windows, skylights).
- Install ultra-low flow fixtures that use less pressure/ less water than required by code. (Sinks & showers)
- Use high efficiency light fixtures and lamps (such as CFLs or LEDs) to minimize electrical demands
- Install lighting controls (motion/day lighting sensors) to turn off lights when not needed.
Green projects are not a fad and soon will be the standard for all projects. Many municipalities are looking more favorably on green projects. Working together, you can build projects within budget, and do it for the good of our planet and society today, and the future.
0 comments:
Post a Comment