Green building

Commercial and residential buildings have huge environmental impacts. It is estimated that, in the United States alone, commercial and residential buildings consume some 65 percent of all electricity generated, 12 percent of fresh water supplies and 40 percent of all raw materials, as well as contributing about one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Building refers to design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants. Potential positive effects of green building practices include sustainable use of energy, materials, and water, along with lower resource and waste disposal costs, as well as increased comfort and well-being for occupants. Buildings designed in an environmentally conscious manner represent an important opportunity to accrue environmental benefits for generations. More

March 13, 2008
Promote Green Buildings for Biggest, Easiest Cuts in North American CO2 Emissions, says new CEC report
Vancouver, 13/03/2008 – Promoting the green design, construction, renovation and operation of buildings could cut North American greenhouse gas emissions that are fuelling climate change more deeply, quickly and cheaply than any other available measure, according to a new report issued by the trinational Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
The report, Green Building in North America: Opportunities and Challenges, is the result of a two-year study by the CEC Secretariat. It was prepared with advice from an international advisory group of prominent developers and architects, sustainability and energy experts, real estate appraisers and brokers, together with local and national government representatives.