Creating sustainable buildings starts with proper site selection, including consideration of the reuse or rehabilitation of existing buildings.  The location, orientation, and landscaping of a building affect the local ecosystems, transportation methods, and energy use.  Incorporate Smart growth principles in the project development process.

 

 

In many parts of the country, fresh water is an increasingly scarce resource.  A sustainable building should reduce, control, or treat site-runoff, use water efficiently, and reuse or recycle water for on-site use when feasible.

 

A sustainable building should be constructed of materials that minimize life-cycle environmental impacts such as global warming, resource depletion, and human toxicity.  These environmentally preferable materials are products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.  As such, they contribute to improved worker safety and health, reduced liabilities, reduced disposal costs, and achievement of environmental goals.

 

The indoor environmental quality of a building has a significant impact on occupant health, comfort, and productivity.  Among other attributes, a sustainable building should maximize daylighting; have appropriate ventilation and moisture control; and avoid the use of materials with high-VOC emissions.

 

 

 

Incorporating operating and maintenance considerations into the design of a facility will greatly contribute to improved working environments, higher productivity, and reduced energy and resource costs.  Designers are encouraged to specify materials and systems that simplify and reduce maintenance requirements; require less water, energy, and toxic chemicals and cleaners to maintain; and are cost-effective and reduce life-cycle costs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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