Given a choice, most people will opt to do the right thing. But, particularly in an economy like we face today, far fewer people are willing to pay more to do the right thing.
Until now, the rap on green and sustainable construction has been that it’s a lot more expensive than using traditional methods. But, that doesn’t have to be true. Making the decision to go green at the start of construction results in far lower costs than trying to retro-fit later.
It also maximizes the financial benefits of green construction. They include reduced operating costs and higher real estate values. Building occupants also have a healthier and more productive environment, which can result in enhanced rental revenue.
School construction is an area in which green construction is particularly important. One out of every five Americans goes to school each day, and too many school buildings are unhealthy and not energy efficient. A focus on building sustainable schools would preserve scarce resources and help promote development of a generation of responsible citizens.
Much of the attention around green construction is focused on energy savings, but it’s also important to remember that water is another precious resource that’s being wasted at an alarming rate. Water shortages are generally less severe in our area, but 36 states anticipate shortages in the next seven years. Low-flow toilets, faucets and shower heads also save money and promote a sustainable environment.
The United States Green Building Council has the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System to serve as a guide for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings that are healthier for people and profit margins.
By building green, our generation can be remembered as the one that reduced energy and water consumption and left our children a planet in as good or better shape than we found it, all without sacrificing our own prosperity.
Phillip Horowitz is the President of Energy Engineering Inc.