Why Build Green

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings represent 39% of the primary energy use in the United States.

Buildings are also one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources and contribute a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States alone, buildings account for 38% of all CO2 emissions.

Building green saves money.

On average, an upfront investment of 2% in green building design results in life cycle savings of 20% of total construction costs. That's more than ten times the initial investment.

Energy efficient buildings sell for as much as 10% higher per square foot than conventional buildings.

Building green stimulates the economy by creating a demand for green jobs that contribute directly to a sustainable future.

Green buildings consume less energy and fewer resources.

Compared to the average commercial building, green buildings:

• consume 26% less energy
• lower maintenance costs by 13%
• have 27% higher occupant satisfaction
• emit 33% less greenhouse gases

Considering people in the United States spend almost 90% of their time indoors, improvements in indoor environments alone are estimated to save $17-48 billion in total health gains.

Source:  U.S. Green Building Council