City of Houston
Commercial bulidings have a significant impact on the environment. The design, construction and operation of buildings and structures within the City can have a significant impact on the City’s environmental sustainability, resource usage, energy efficiency, waste management, and the health and productivity of residents, workers, and visitors.
According to recent studies published by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency (EPA), the construction, demolition and operation of buildings in the United States, collectively consume up to 37% of the total energy used, 12% of all fresh water supplies, 40% of all raw materials used; generates 36% of total emissions of anthropogenic carbon dioxide – the primary greenhouse gas associated with climate change – 46% of all sulfur dioxide emissions, 19% of nitrogen oxide emissions, and 10% of fire particulate emissions.
Because of this, many government officials, owners, developers, operators, and designers have looked at green building options, which are more environmentally friendly. Green buildings can include, among other things, the use of certified sustainable wood products, extensive use of high-recycled-content products; recycling of waste that occurs during deconstruction, demolition and construction; orientation and design of a building to reduce the demand on the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; the use of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems that provide energy efficiency and improved air quaility; enhancement of indoor air quality by selection and use of construction materials that do not emit chemicals that are toxic or irritatiing to building occupants; the use of water conservation methods and equipment; and installation of altenative energy methods for supplemental energy production.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
LEED provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building lifecycle.
LEED-certified buildings:
- are leading the transformation of the built environment
- are built as designed and perform as expected.
- have lower operating costs and increased asset value
- are healthy and comfortable for their occupants
- reduce waste sent to landfills
- conserve energy and water
- reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
- qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in hundreds of cities
- demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility
