Sustainable building requires that architects, engineers and contractors all co-create with the environment focusing on renewable energy, sustainable materials, water conservation, site development and indoor environmental quality. Green design and construction not only helps cut down on emissions released into the ozone, but also helps significantly reduce energy, water and HVAC costs. The benefits of sustainable building can be generally categorized in the following ways; environmental benefits, economic benefits and social benefits.
Environmental Benefits
The whole purpose behind sustainable building is to preserve our environment and avoid the depletion of the earth’s natural resources. When sustainable substitutions are made throughout each phase of the project’s development it allows us to:
• Protect the Ecosystem • Reduce Emissions
• Improve Air and Water Quality • Conserve Water
• Reduce Waste Streams • Conserve and Restore Natural Resources
• Waste Reduction • Temperature Control
Economic Benefits
Not only does sustainable building improve the quality of our environment but it also has many economic benefits as well. By using sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and improving water efficiency it will enable you to:
• Helps Aid in the Expansion of the “Green Market” • Reduce Operating Costs
• Optimizes the Life Cycle of the Building • Increases Property Value
• Improve Occupants Attendance and Productivity
Social Benefits
Although the environmental and economic benefits of green buildings are well known, the social benefits of green buildings are often ignored. By improving indoor environmental quality you can:
• Improve Occupants Comfort and Health • Create an Aesthetically Pleasing Environment
• Minimizes Strain on Local Infrastructure • Increases Occupants Overall Morale
• Improves Worker Productivity
The green movement is here to stay and as time progresses the benefits of sustainable building will continue to grow. For more tips on sustainable building see 5 Things to Consider When Building Green.
Sources:
http://www.wbdg.org/design/sustainable.php
Design Build 
April 4th, 2011 → 3:37 pm
[…] The overall idea of building green is to avoid the depletion of energy, water and raw materials. By prioritizing environmental and life cycle considerations throughout all phases of architecture, design and construction you can achieve all of your sustainability goals. Check back next week to read more on the benefits of sustainable building. […]
July 8th, 2011 → 11:00 am
[…] The overall idea of building green is to avoid the depletion of energy, water and raw materials. By prioritizing environmental and life cycle considerations throughout all phases of architecture, design and construction you can achieve all of your sustainability goals. Click here to read more on the benefits of sustainable building. […]