Going “green” is the latest development in construction of new buildings and the maintenance of older buildings. Green construction and renovation means that every aspect of construction is looked at to help maximize water and energy conservation, decrease toxic-emitting materials, and to use recycled materials whenever possible.
While building green can be costly, the savings in energy costs as well as help from tax incentives can help cover, and even exceed over time, what extra costs are incurred. While there are many elements that make a building “green,” most have heating and cooling systems that save energy while optimizing performance. Solar power also helps conserve energy and water is conserved by using low-flow bathroom fixtures. Special materials used inside of the building for carpeting, painting, and paneling for example, emit low levels of volatile organic compounds, thus increasing air quality.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a coalition that promotes green construction and has implemented a rating system of “green” structures called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. There are minimum requirements that must be met in order to become LEED certified, including interior air quality, prevention of pollution during construction and energy performance to name a few.
While requirements for building green vary by state, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives are working to make energy efficiency standards for all new buildings as well as requiring updates for older buildings. Congress continues to work on tax incentives, and due to the EPACT in 2005 tax breaks have already been awarded for commercial buildings who meet energy-efficiency standards and for using more energy efficient products in accordance with the EPA’s EnergyStar program.
EPA Regulations in Plain-English
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