Building green provides benefits to the health and safety of occupants, the community and the environment. These include:
- Reduced environmental impact through material and resource conservation
- Increased efficiency of heating and cooling systems
- Reduced operating and utility costs
- Increased daylight access
- Enhanced occupant comfort and health
Sustainable design can make a building more attractive inside and out, improving the comfort and quality of the indoor environment, improving community and global citizenship, and increasing occupant health.
Long-term benefits to the community and to the environment include:
A sustainable site: Reuse of an existing building means that new land is not developed, that fewer resources are used in construction and that it is in a downtown location.
Accessible transportation: Public transportation is easily accessible and the building includes bicycle storage, showers and pedestrian-friendly access.
Energy conservation: NonProfit Center’s sustainable building design contributes to reduced environmental impact by conserving energy, decreasing air pollution emissions, and wisely using water and natural energy sources to improve performance.
Materials and resources conservation: Whenever possible, the center uses non-toxic materials to maintain good indoor air quality. Additionally, there is strong commitment to using renewable, sustainably harvested, and/or recycled materials. Water efficiency will also keep water and sewer costs low, slowing the growth of operating costs.
For more information, visit the U.S. Green Building Council.