Why build green?

On average, the construction, maintenance and use of buildings are responsible for 40% of all the energy use in the U.S. With only 5% of the world's population, the U.S. uses 25% of the world's energy resources and contributes more than 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

By building green, we can protect the natural world and even have a positive impact. Typical building construction, use, and demolition, as well as the manufacturing of building materials, contribute significantly to environmental problems.

Green Building Has Tangible Economic And Public Health Benefits:

• Lower operating costs via reduced energy and water utility bills.
• Reduced maintenance and replacement costs due to greater durability of materials.
• Improved indoor environmental quality through the use of non-toxic materials.
• Reduced risk of childhood asthma and other respiratory diseases.
• Higher productivity, less absenteeism, and reduced insurance costs.
• Preservation of natural habitats, watersheds, and ecosystems, protection of air and water quality, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste.
• Improved health and performance: students achieve 20% better performance in green schools, patients are discharged an average of 2.5 days earlier in green hospitals.

For more information, visit Global Green USA's Green Building Resource Center.