Green Globes

While the spotlight on sustainable building programs sits squarely on the USGBC LEED program, another green rating program is gaining momentum in the construction world.  It is the Green Building Initiatives’s Green Globes program.  What makes this program different?

First off it is more cost effective than the USGBC version which has attributed to much of its rise in popularity.  Second, it has an extremely user friendly web interface and the ability to use online to tools to accomplish the building designers goals.

If you’ve ever wanted a LEED certified building but felt it was out of reach, please check into Greenglobes.  Click here for a list of buildings that have achieved the certification status.

How do buildings impact the environment?

Very interesting stats from the USGBC:

“The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and productivity. In the United States alone, buildings account for:
•    70% of electricity consumption,
•    39% of energy use,
•    39% of all carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions,
•    40% of raw materials use,
•    30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
•    12% of potable water consumption