BackgroundAs we start to consider the impact our industries have on the environment one of the most significant contributions comes from the construction, operation and maintenance of our buildings. Indeed some of the facts are staggering:
- Buildings, including production fuel input, use 38.9% of U.S. primary energy use. Environmental Information Administration (2008). EIA Annual Energy Outlook.
- Buildings represent 72% of U.S. electrical consumption. Environmental Information Administration (2008). EIA Annual Energy Outlook.
- Buildings account for 38% of all CO2 emissions. Energy Information Administration (2008). Assumptions to the Annual Energy Outlook.
- Of the 3 billion tons of raw materials consumed annually, 40% of this is used for buildings. Lenssen and Roodman (1995). Worldwatch Paper 124.
- Of the 15 trillion gallons of potable water used per year 13.6% of this is used by buildings. U.S. Geological Survey (2000)
- It is estimated, by the EPA, that building-related construction and demolition debris was 136 million tons in 1996, compared to 209.7 million tons of municipal solid waste.
As government initiatives, social demand and availability of sustainable materials increases it is expected that 82% of corporate America will be greening at least 16% of their real estate. Of these 18% will be greening more than 60%. (McGraw Hill Construction (2007). Greening of Corporate America SmartMarket Report)
Service Description
We will come to your site and put on a two day workshop to review
Green Building Best Practices with key personnel on your site. This is an excellent tool to create awareness within your organization as it undertakes a new control building project.
The workshop covers the following topics:
- What is Green Building?
- Industry regulations and best practices
- Building Location
- Use of Building Resources
- Energy Efficiency
- Water Efficiency
- Interior Environment
- Building Operation and Maintenance
For additional information or to book a workshop please contact us.
