Green Building Design in USA

 

Green building design in the United States is a growing practice. It includes the use of sustainable materials, recycling, and other environmental practices. A sustainable building may also use renewable energy sources such as solar panels.

Green building certification programs help guide construction companies towards an environmentally friendly approach. Many states have enacted green building legislation for new buildings. These laws can vary depending on the jurisdiction. However, most of the major cities have established requirements as well. This type of development can help protect the environment and save money in the long run.

Various federal agencies, as well as state and local governments, have taken steps to promote the green building movement. For example, the EPA has been improving the Building Energy Modeling efficiency of old buildings. In addition, hundreds of counties have enacted ordinances and legislation to promote sustainability.

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has helped develop a standard called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED. Green Building Design rating system is used on new construction and existing buildings. Four certification levels can be applied to any project. Each level is designed to address different aspects of a building, such as air quality, water quality, and nutrition.

LEED's goals are to create a healthy and safe environment for all occupants. To achieve this goal, the building will need to meet ten different factors. Those factors include energy, air quality, water quality, thermal comfort, material usage, transportation, waste, health and safety, and occupancy.

While LEED is the most common building certification program, there are other options. For instance, the International Green Building Code was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the American Institute of Architects, and other cooperating sponsors. The IgCC applies to high-performance commercial and residential buildings and is intended to be consistent with the I-Codes.

Although the green building movement began in the United States, many countries around the world are moving forward in this area. For instance, the Italian architect Renzo Piano built a green roof in San Francisco. And French architect Jean Nouvel successfully experimented with green buildings in Sydney.

In addition to national programs, several private companies and universities are conducting research to improve the sustainability of the built environment. As a result, there are a wide variety of green product certifications in the market.

Whether you are developing a new home or building a new office space, the right building certification program can help you document and demonstrate the environmental features of your project. You can also receive preferential treatment for green development. Some state laws offer tax incentives for green projects, and zoning regulations can vary. 

Before implementing any type of building certification, be sure to check with your city, county, or state to see what regulations and mandates might apply.

Ultimately, the success of green buildings in the United States depends on the timing, local building codes, and the specific goals of the building. Nevertheless, there is a growing demand for this type of design. Buyers are willing to pay more for properties with green features. Additionally, green construction is becoming profitable.