Why Build Green?

The construction industry has not gotten the "front page" headlines of industries such as auto and power plants but never the less has a substantial effect on the environment. Below are just a few of the statistics highlighting how buildings are impacting the environment.

Environmental Impact of Buildings

• 65% of the total U.S. electricity consumption
  • One incandescent light bulb accounts for the production or use of per year
    • Burns 528 lbs of coal
    • Releases 3/4 ton of carbon dioxide
    • Release 20 pound of sulfur dioxide
  • One 3' x 5' window in direct sunlight will allow in as much light as 100 60-watt light bulbs.
  • The per capita use of electricity has doubled since 1970 in the USA
• > 36% of total U.S. primary energy use
• 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions
• 12% of the potable water usage in the U.S.
  • U.S. withdraws 340-billion gallons of water per day from rivers, steams and lakes
  • Five (5) billion gallons of this potable water is used to just flush toilets
• 40% of the raw materials used globally (3-billion tons annually)
• 30% of the buildings in the U.S. have or are developing "sick-building syndrome"

Benefits of Building Green

• Reduced environmental impact of building
• Economic benefits through improved bottom line
  • Reduced energy costs
  • Reduced water bills
  • Life cycle cost improvements
  • Increased property value
• Health and safety benefits
  • Improved productivity
  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Enhanced comfort and health
• Community benefits through reduced strain on infrastructure

United States Green Building Council: A Growing Factor

Note: 2004 Data as of 6/04

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