What is a Green Building?

Nov. 25, 2010
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

About the Author

John Shafer

John Shafer is a 16 year veteran of the fire service, and is currently a Lieutenant and the Training Officer for the Greencastle Fire Department. An Indiana regionally recognized instructor on building construction, fireground search and command management, he has traveled throughout the State of Indiana delivering specialized trainingprograms on building construction, fireground search and firefighter safety.John is also the Indiana Homeland Security District 7 Fire Training Coordinator, and in this capacity has coordinates and facilitates firefighter training courses for firefighters through much of the State. He builds training courses to suit the needs of his students and focuses those seminars on his specialties of building construction and fireground searches. He has served as an advisor to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for the state’s development of the Fire Training System of Indiana and assisted the development of the District 7 Training Council and the District 7 Response Task Force.John began his fire service career at Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department (Putnam County, Indiana), where he served for six years.  In 1999 he transitioned into a career firefighter for the Honey Creek Fire Department, and has served the Greencastle Fire Department for more than 10 years. He utilizes his experience as both a volunteer and career firefighter to enhance his students’ experience in his training seminars for personnel from any aspect of the fire service.    John is a member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, an active supporter of the NFFF, and Everyone Goes Home Initiatives by teaching several of the Everyone Goes Home programs throughout Indiana. He holds numerous certifications as a Firefighter I/II, Fire Officer I/II, Hazardous Materials Technician, Instructor II/III, Inspector I/II, Strategy & Tactics, Building Construction, EMT, Safety Officer, and has been trained in numerous fire service and WMD courses.

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