Green buildings are all about taking advantage of the two-for-one "connection" opportunities.
A super-insulated building uses a smaller heating system. The savings from the smaller heating system can help pay for the super-insulation improvements. Systems thinking, getting tow for the price of one, is much better than merely picking the best components. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Drought tolerant trees help clean the air, cool the building, and lower the cost of pumping water. An energy and water efficient washing machine cuts greenhouse gases while cleaning the air.
Distributing and processing water takes electricity. Producing electricity creates large amounts of pollution and greenhouse gases. Nationally 7% of the on-peak electricity demand comes from processing water. We pump it, treat it, distribute it, and then pump and treat the sewage at the end of the cycle. Any reduction in water use lowers energy use and the associated greenhouse gases and pollution caused at the power plant.
Building Energy Better building materials improve indoor air quality because they release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Landscape Plants and trees clean up the air - both indoors and outdoors. Cooler summer landscapes create less smog producing ozone.
People Better indoor and outdoor air quality means healthier and often more productive people. Numerous studies have quantified this connection.
Transportation Fewer and less polluting vehicles mean cleaner air. Pubic transportation moves people more efficiently than private cars.
Air Quality Better building materials improve indoor air quality because they release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Landscape A shade tree placed strategically by a house can create a cooling effect equivalent to a room air conditioner unit. Green buildings are sited with preservation of the natural landscape in mind.
People Green buildings improve the quality of life and improve productivity.
Transportation When we build our work places closer to where we live and play, we cut down on transportation needs and improve air quality as well as quality of life.
Waste When we use building materials more efficiently, less waste goes into the landfill. Re-using old building materials keeps them out of the landfill as well. Creating new building materials uses more "embodied" energy in the manufacturing process than re-using existing materials.
Water Buildings are big water users -- both inside and out. Efficient use of hot water saves energy as well as water. Efficient buildings use less water in toilets, washbasins, showers, and landscaping. A high percentage of municipal energy costs go to the pumping and treating of water. Using less water saves energy
Air Quality Plants and trees clean up the air - both indoors and outdoors. Cooler summer landscapes create less smog producing ozone.
Building Energy A shade tree placed strategically by a house can create a cooling effect equivalent to a room air conditioner unit. Green buildings are sited with preservation of the natural landscape in mind.
Water Natural landscaping makes better use of available water. For example, drought tolerant landscapes (xeriscapes) are particularly good in hot, dry climates
Air Quality Better indoor and outdoor air quality means healthier and often more productive people. Numerous studies have quantified this connection.
Building Energy People costs dwarf other operating costs in a building. Green buildings improve the quality of life and improve productivity for the occupants. Small productivity improvements pay off in a big way.
Transportation Less commute time improves people’s quality of life. "Road rage" and aggressive driving reflect commuter frustration. Green communities with effective transportation revolve around the idea of keeping work, play, and living close together.
Waste Creating successful recycling programs is a direct way for people to be connected with lowering the impact on natural resources.
Water Individuals make the most difference in water conservation. Like many of our resources, clean water won't always be available unless we take steps to use it wisely.
Air Quality Fewer and less polluting vehicles mean cleaner air. Pubic transportation moves people more efficiently than private cars.
Building Energy When we build our work places closer to where we live and play, we cut down on transportation needs and improve air quality as well as quality of life.
PeopleLess commute time improves people’s quality of life. "Road rage" and aggressive driving reflect commuter frustration. Green communities with effective transportation revolve around the idea of keeping work, play, and living close together.
Waste Transporting waste is expensive and adds to congestion. One university pulps food waste and combines this with chip wood waste to create compost for the campus. This has resulted in postponing a new landfill for ten years and has taken a number of large trucks off of the road in the area.
Water Polluted runoff from "non-point sources" including roads is one of the leading current causes of water degradation, especially in coastal areas. Nearly 40% of America’s waters that have been tested are unfit for swimming or fishing.
Building Energy When we use building materials more efficiently, less waste goes into the landfill. Re-using old building materials keeps them out of the landfill as well. Creating new building materials uses more "embodied" energy in the manufacturing process than re-using existing materials.
Transportation Transporting waste is expensive and adds to congestion. One university pulps food waste and combines this with chip wood waste to create compost for the campus. This has resulted in postponing a new landfill for ten years and has taken a number of large trucks off of the road in the area.
Water Less waste means less harm to our nation’s waters. "Point sources" such as sewage treatment facilities must be monitored carefully to prevent the release of pollution into coastal waterways.
Building Energy Buildings are big water users -- both inside and out. Efficient use of hot water saves energy as well as water. Efficient buildings use less water in toilets, washbasins, showers, and landscaping. A high percentage of municipal energy costs go to the pumping and treating of water. Using less water saves energy.
Landscape Natural landscaping makes better use of available water. For example, drought tolerant landscapes (xeriscapes) are particularly good in hot, dry climates.
People Ultimately, no matter how efficient our fixtures are, it is individuals who make the most difference in water conservation. Like many of our resources, clean water won’t always be available unless we take steps to use it wisely.
Transportation Polluted runoff from "nonpoint sources" including roads is one of the leading current causes of water degradation, especially in coastal areas. Nearly 40% of America’s waters that have been tested are unfit for swimming or fishing