The resources required for creating, operating, and replacing buildings and infrastructure are enormous, yet the resources available for such activity are diminishing. To remain competitive and to continue to expand and produce profits in the future, the building industry must address the economic and environmental consequences of its actions. There are many methods and materials that can meet our needs with reduced environmental impact at comparable life-cycle costs.



SUSTAINABLE FOR THE EARTH

• Meets human needs without compromising natural systems
  
• Ensures ongoing preservation of earth’s resources for future generations
  
• Utilizes natural materials & nature as a guide
  
• Healthier environment both indoors and out
• Often more aesthetically pleasing designs

SUSTAINABLE FOR THE WALLET

• Conservation reduces cost (use less spend less)
• Long-term cost benefits - continuous payback
  
• Keeps resources available for continued use/profit
  
• Supports local economy (keeps money local)
• Tax credits, grants & low-interest loans often available

Facts:
The US Green Building Council is a sustainable design and construction industry association that serves its members and the community through the development of industry standards, design practices and tools, policy advocacy, information exchange, and education.  The USGBC also produces LEED, a system for measuring and acknowledging the sustainability of a project.  There are currently 13 LEED certified buildings in existence, and since the release of LEED 2.0 in March 2000, project teams from over 180 projects have registered their buildings, thus expressing their intent to apply for official LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Water Conservation:
Rainwater collection, composting toilet, greywater recycling, waterless urinal, constructed wetlands
conservation

Energy Conservation:
Renewable energy (solar, wind, micro-hydro), Insulation and energy conservation, passive solar heating/cooling, radiant heating, environmental controls (automatic), alternative energy (fuel cells, biodiese), natural convective ventilation

Materials/Resources Conservation:
Salvaged lumber, advanced framing, reused materials, fly ash concrete, rapidly renewable resources (straw bale, earth, bamboo, etc), certified wood, local materials, reduce waste, reusable material outlets

Indoor/Outdoor Environmental Quality:
Pollution prevention, non-toxic materials & finishes, natural lighting