Why Build Green?

 

In the united States, buildings account for:

39 % of total energy used

12 % of the total water consumption

68 % of total electricity consumption

38 % of the total carbon dioxide emissions

 

The built enviroment has a vast impact on the environment,human health, and the economy.  By adopting green building strategies. we can maximize both economic and environmental performance.  Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction.  However, the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project. At  HARMS E.P.I.C., (a Harms Enterprises Company), we are doing just that.  From stage one of the design process we are living the vision of a better, cleaner and safer life for our clients.

 Benefits of Green building can include, but are not limited to:

Envoronmental Benefits

- Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems

- Improve air and water quality

- Reduce waste streams

- Conserve and restore natural resources


Economic benefits

- Reduce operating costs

- Create, expand, and shape markets for Green product and services

- Improve occupant productivity

- Optomize life-cycle economic performance

 

Social Benefits

- Enhance occupant comfort and health

- Minimize strain on local infrastructure

- Improve overall quality of life

 

The above info was provided in part by  The United States Environmental Protection Agency.  For more info please visit www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/whybuild.htm