Green building is based on the fundamental principles of conservation, sustainability, and performance. It involves a design and construction process which must place equal value and importance on these key principles and their various characteristics. If you choose to explore green building options with EcoBuild, you can enjoy many of the following features:
Conservation
- Conserve Energy - By selecting a higher grade of insulation in your walls, ceiling, floors, and windows, your building can keep its cold or hot air inside, where you’ve paid for it to be. Simple material choices and construction methods can reduce the burden on your heating and cooling systems, saving you money on monthly operating costs.
- Reduce Water Consumption - When we build a structure onto an undeveloped piece of land, we reduce the natural green space that used to absorb rainfall. This water often is shed off site and into storm drains where it may no longer reach our aquifers and may even carry pollutants into lakes and rivers. Collection cisterns are available in various sizes and can be used to irrigate lawns, wash cars, or even contribute to your building’s plumbing supply.
Sustainability
- Longer Lifespan - Green buildings should not only produce a high quality structure with internal systems designed for a long life-span, but should also be based upon a forward-thinking design that can support future expansion.
Performance
- Health Benefits - Many of the materials that surround us in our homes and offices produce toxins and can provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew. But now there are a growing list of products which do not release harmful toxins and gasses and are resistent to mold. Items such as paints, caulking, insulation, carpet, wood flooring sealants, and even cabinets can contribute to these fumes.
- Increase Property Values - Any energy saving measures that you build into your home or office will become even more valuable if you decide to sell your property. These features will differentiate you from competing properties .
- Lower Operating Costs - If you are using less water and demanding less energy to run your efficient air conditioning unit and appliances, you can look forward to monthly savings on utility bills.
Plus
- Gain Tax Benefits and Incentives - Federal, state, and local government incentives are gaining even more funding than ever before in an effort to spur the use of energy-saving technologies and material applications. Visit our helpful links section to find out how you can qualify for incentives and rebates in your area.
- Gain Peace of Mind - Incorporating environmentally friendly products and energy saving systems allows you to rest assured that you are getting the most out of your money, and are enjoying healthy indoor air quality.
EcoBuild’s LEED® AP staff will talk you through the various stages of your construction project and offer you alternative products, methods, and materials whenever possible. Contact us today to find out more about how your next project can make a difference!
