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by Center for American Progress

Green Building – Good for the planet and the wallet

construction of green homes is a phenomenon that is catching on slowly but surely. Offices, schools, houses, even weddings are Donning the green badge. Green or sustainable building is based on energy resources, water, materials and land more efficiently than buildings of traditional construction we are accustomed. Accordingly, this building environmentally promotes economic, environmental, and well-being of our family.

How so? First, the green homes are 25-30%, on average more energy efficient. These alternative energy sources are abundant, environmentally friendly and profitable. For example, solar energy can provide heat, hot water, and electricity for lights and appliances. Second, green homes can improve the quality of air and water by reducing emissions, including carbon dioxide, and using less toxic materials. Third, green homes improve the quality of family life. For example, rugs made from materials low in fiber eliminates the fibers that house dust mites, mold, secondhand smoke, and pet dander. These “indoor pollutants” can trigger asthma attacks. Fourth, in 1992, the EPA estimated that nearly 1 in 15 houses had radon levels above recommended levels. Another report cited the EPA radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer and head of 21,000 estimated deaths per year.

Green homes use new techniques of construction radon resistant to solve this problem. Rick Tozier, owner of Sonoma Building Company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, built green and ENERGY STAR qualified homes. “It’s about doing what is right and have a vision for the future,” said Tozier. Tozier specialty is the design and construction of houses, but he is experienced in integrating green building techniques in the renovation and . But green building is not limited to houses. There is a rapidly growing “green building” movement across the United States.

In the past the misconceptions that the costs of green building or sustainable building and longer caused a slow and hesitant response. However, a recent economic analysis, costs and benefits of green building, has concluded that green building can be incorporated into a slight increase construction costs and financial benefits are more than ten times the initial investment. What does this mean for us? The report specifically mentions the financial benefits of lower energy, waste and water costs and increased productivity and health. It projects a conservative 20-year benefit from the net present value – per square foot in a building certified green. According to the EPA, buildings account for nearly 70% of electricity consumption the country, 12% of the country’s water consumption, and 38% of emissions of carbon dioxide. Why is this relevant? Efficient use of energy, water and other natural resources is helping to transform our environment in a sustainable future. For example, environmental benefits by diverting construction waste from local landfills through recycling and conservation and restoration of natural resources. And by offering more natural light and better air quality in schools, students receive safe, healthy, comfortable and productive learning environments. Research shows that students tend to have less absenteeism and higher success rate in these environments.

Green building is more than a phenomenon. It is a response to a huge demand for people who want to do things better. Join the movement to promote greater environmental and healthy places to live, work and play.

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