What is a Green Building?

Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

· Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources

· Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity

· Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

For example, green buildings may incorporate sustainable materials in their construction (e.g., agriculture waste recycled-content); or feature water systems that reduce and reuse water.

(Source US EPA)

Green buildings are a viable trend that is just going to grow stronger. The U.S. green building market is accelerating at a dramatic rate, says McGraw-Hill Construction's Green Outlook 2011: Green Trends Driving Growthreport. The value of green building construction starts was up 50% from 2008 to 2010 — from $42 billion to $55 billion-$71 billion — and represents 25% of all new construction activity in 2010. According to projections, the green building market size is expected to reach $135 billion by 2015.

So chances are with this market tend there is or will be a green building coming to your jurisdiction soon. This is why I am starting this blog about green building construction to be proactive in attempting to stay abreast of the new buildings we will be fighting fires in the future.

For more information concerning Green Buildings please join my Facebook page.

(Green Building Construction for the Fire Service)

Stay Safe

Lt. John Shafer