What are green buildings and what do they have to do with climate change in New Jersey? Green buildings are newly constructed or renovated structures that take into account the lifecycle of the building, in an attempt to reduce it's overall environmental impact. The United States Green Building Council 9USGBC) has developed a voluntary rating system that ranks construction projects on different aspects of green building. Coming up with new building guidelines is very important because of the impact construction has on the environment, as well the impact of the energy used to maintain these buildings.
Building construction and operation uses a lot of energy. According to the EPA, buildings used 40% of the total US energy consumption in 2002, as well as 68% of the electricity consumption in the same year. Building emit 38% of our national carbon emissions, create 60% of non-industrial wastes, and consume 12% of our potable water. By creating more green buildings we can work to reduce the impact of construction on the environment.
In general, a green building takes into account five aspects of environmental impacts. These buildings look to achieve energy efficiency and use renewable energy wherever possible. In particular, these projects attempt to reduce water use. In addition, green building projects try and use environmentally friendly building materials and/or local materials as frequently as possible. Because conventional building methods can generate a lot of waste, green building projects try and minimize the waste stream. Since these projects look to reduce environmental impacts, the us of toxins in building materials is curtailed. Green buildings also take into account the indoor air quality, which can be 2 to 5 times worse as outdoor air, in terms of pollution.
Green building projects have significant, beneficial impacts on the communities they are located in. The USGBC has identified six areas that they used to give buildings ratings of certified, silver, gold, or platinum. These categories are:
- Site Planning - picking the building site that will have the smallest negative impact on the surrounding ecosystems and wildlife
- Water Management - how well the project design minimizes water use during construction, and curbs water use during operation
- Energy Management - how well the project uses renewable sources of energy during construction and operation
- Material Use - measures the use of environmentally friendly, or locally produced, building materials
- Indoor Air Quality - measures levels of indoor air pollutants such as radon, solvents or particulates
- Innovation and Design Process - rates the design and implementation of that design
By taking into account these six areas of the design process, known as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a building project can create environmental benefits as well as economic and social benefits. Because of the efficient energy design and use of renewable energy sources, such as the sun, green buildings have lower operating costs. There is also some evidence that shows people working or going to school in a green building are more productive as a result of better indoor conditions. Occupants of green buildings are less likely to get sick or injured on the job, because of the attention paid to air quality and overall design. These buildings are aesthetically pleasing and can improve the quality of life of all those who use and enjoy it.
It is in New Jersey's best interest to encourage green building practices throughout the State. The environmental savings will be every important, especially as we work towards reducing our State's green house gas emissions. Green Buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 35%, according to the US Green Buildings Council. The State could also see energy savings of 30%, water savings of 30-50%, and waste savings anywhere from 50-90%, all according to USGBC. Not only will the State see environmental savings, but cost savings as well. That would save money in the long run. The social benefits would also help New Jersey residents. Improvements in health and worker happiness are immeasurable. Having more green buildings would help mark New Jersey as one of the leading states in environmental issues. Currently, New Jersey is in the middle range of states in terms of number of green buildings. Growing this number will improve the lives of those who work and live in green buildings, as well as improving our standing as a State that takes charge of issues.