1. The popularity of green buildings continues to increase.
Soon, all buildings may be required to meet, at least, the prerequisites for LEED certification -LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is given by the U.S. Green Buildings Council -. Homeowners that apply for LEED certification have increased rapidly in residential and commercial/ industrial buildings. Today, more than 50,000 residential units and more than 57,000 commercial or industrial buildings hold this certification and the numbers continue to increase every day. The number of green buildings has increased by more than 35 percent since 2005.
2. Green building rating system includes standards for indoor environment and maintenance.
Buildings are also rated on how environmentally-friendly their interior is. Usage of water- and energy-saving systems, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, effective air filtration systems, and moisture control, can be built-in and need to be maintained properly by contractors and building managers.
3. There is a focus on indoor and outdoor energy usage and fulfilling Energy Star standards through the initial building and subsequent facility maintenance.
A major part of qualifying for an LEED certification is having an Energy Star rating. Having an Energy Star means that your building or unit uses 30 percent less energy than the traditional ones. This includes Energy Star is a separate certification from the LEED certification, but those who apply for an LEED certification need to have Energy Star certification first.
4. Master knowledge of green building guidelines and share it.
One of the LEED standards specifies that the homebuyers or tenants must be educated about the ways their building or unit is environmentally friendly. Homebuyers and tenants must also know the effects these practices have on the lives and how they benefit from them.
5. Green buildings are a win-win arrangement for the homebuyer or tenant and the contractor or facility manager.
Following the LEED certification guidelines requires the use of specific fixtures and additional time and effort. Also, a major part of what makes green buildings environmentally friendly is the use of recycled building material. Having these recycled materials available in one place is great and saves time and effort.Using this material is more economical in the long run than using newer material that may or may not need replacing when applying for LEED certification.
6. LEED rating systems are used globally.
This rating system is being used in the 43 percent of LEED certifications given in other countries. This fact highlights the need for adopting more environmentally friendly building practices and having a particular focus on LEED standards and guidelines. Buildings were also found to have the most energy saving potential over transportation and general industrial use.
7. Green Building materials have huge money saving potential.
It costs less to maintain green building fixtures and their infrequent repairs cost less than traditional fixtures. Green building materials were found to earn back their price within a year and a half. That is thousands of dollars in savings for the tenant, homeowner, and facility manager, and the contractors, who have to initially buy the building materials.
