Green Buildings
Green building refers to a type of structure that utilizes and demonstrates environmental stewardship and resource conservation throughout its entire lifespan, from construction, operations, maintenance, renovation to demolition.
According to the Energy Information Administration, buildings in the United States:
- use over 70% of the country's electricity
- consume nearly 40% of its energy
- emit close to 40% of all its greenhouse gases
Compared to standard buildings, green buildings have been shown by the U.S. General Services Administration to:
- Lower maintenance costs by over 10%
- Reduce energy use more than 25%
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions by 33%
- Significantly increase occupant satisfaction
Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans spend nearly 90% of their time inside buildings, improvements within the building industry can have a vast impact. That is why GBA continually seeks to further its role as a nonprofit catalyst for environmentally sound building practices, materials and healthy indoor environments.
Become a GBA Member!
Learn about all the benefits of being part of the GBA community.
