A New Movement--Thinking Green
Anew movement is sweeping the United and gaining momentum throughout the world. Real estate practitioners and building industry professionals are leaders in the green building revolution. They support the construction of buildings that conform to Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design standards established by the U S. Green Building Council. http://www.usgbc.org/
Building sites and how the buildings take advantage of their placement on those sites, the materials used in their construction, their efficient use of energy, water conservation and sustainability, are all taken into consideration for granting green building certification, which may be at one of four levels with points ranging from 26 to 69. The levels are certified, silver, gold, and the highest: platinum.
The main advantages and therefore highly motivating factors for green buildings are improved personal health, environmental considerations, long-term savings and aesthetics.
Many believe that only new buildings can achieve green certification, but much can be done to increase the sustainability of existing buildings, and more and more are refurbished buildings are gaining LEED certification.
Building green is not restricted to single-family residences, but schools also, and commercial buildings can be green. In addition, the concept is being expanded to encompass cars, whole neighborhoods, and communities.
Government leaders in the state of Albuquerue are on the green bandwagon and are offering incentives to promote green -- Taking up the Green Challenge.