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Introduction

The construction, maintenance, and demolition of buildings is one of the most resource-demanding industries in the United States. Buildings account for 45% of worldwide energy use, 80% of potable water use, and 50% of the timber harvest in North America.(1) They also account for about 40% of municipal solid waste and 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and acid rain.(2)

Our demand on natural and finite resources such as energy, water, and building materials can be reduced and our contribution to environmental quality enhanced by incorporating green building principals into the design, construction, and renovation of buildings.

Green buildings are designed and constructed to maximize whole life-cycle performance, conserve resources, and enhance the comfort of their occupants. This is achieved by the smart use of technology such as fuel cells and solar heated water tanks, and by attention to natural design elements such as maximizing natural light and building orientation. The result is a highly efficient building that saves money, is aesthetically pleasing, and contributes to the comfort and productivity of its occupants.

Photo courtesy of Natural Resources Defense Council.

The architectural community has been increasingly supportive of green building, and more and more educators and practicing professionals are recognizing its environmental and economic potential. Leaders in this exciting new field, including builders, architects, nonprofits, and states that encourage its practice, are being recognized for their contribution to environmental quality and occupant health and safety.

There are three principle methods that states can use to promote green buildings. The first is to require that architects learn about green building practices. In most states, the legislation mandating continuing education for re-licensure has been enacted and green building courses have been made available. However, a stipulation requiring architects to take at least one green building course per registration period is still missing.

States can also use tax incentives to promote green buildings. A green building tax credit can be awarded to taxpayers who construct a building that meets certain requirements. The amount of tax credit awarded for a green building is proportional to the size of the building and the extent that the building is “green.” Lastly, state law can require that newly-constructed state buildings meet certain green building standards, making the state a leader in environmentally-friendly, cost-saving design and construction.

This web site offers the tools necessary for you to introduce and pass legislation to promote green building in your state. These tools include three sample bills, talking points, press clips, a fact pack, links, and other background information.

We may have other useful materials on this subject which are not posted on our web site. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call our office in Madison, Wisconsin, at (608) 252-9800.

If you’ve used this site and found it helpful or, if you have suggestions about how it could be made more helpful, please let us know. Feel free to use the sample bill text included here in your state. If you do, please notify us.

Sources:
(1) Personal correspondence with Rob Watson, Natural Resources Defense Council. 24 March 2004.
(2) Roodman, David Malin and Nicholas Lenssen. “A Building Revolution: How Ecology and Health Concerns Are Transforming Construction.” Worldwatch Paper #124. Washington, D.C.: Worldwatch Institute, March 1995. 26 February 2004 <http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/paper/124.html>.
This page was last updated on September 14, 2004.