02/21/2022

What Are The Benefits of Building Green?

When you look at a building, it’s easy to see it as a structure and nothing more. Yet, building green offers the opportunity to make facilities so much more than just a “structure.” Through sustainable design, it’s possible for buildings to create positive environmental, economic and social impacts on the world and its people.

What Are Some Environmental Advantages of Building Green?

Eco-friendly design isn’t a new concept, and issues like climate change have spurred more interest and growth in the topic. Some of the environmental benefits of green building include:

• Reduced carbon emissions and waste: A recent USGBC survey of government properties with LEED certifications revealed 34% lower carbon output and 80 million fewer tons of landfill waste. Building green also embraces upcycling and repurposing materials, creating an end-of-life plan that minimizes waste.
• Lower resource consumption: In the same survey, managers of sustainably designed structures reported using 25% less energy and 11% less water. LEED-compliant projects came in at 89/100 on the ENERGY STAR scale for efficient resource usage.
• Increased protection of ecosystems: Building green prevents harm to sensitive ecosystems and supports biodiversity essential to resource maintenance.

What Are Some Financial Advantages of Green Building?

While the primary advantage of sustainable design is the wise management of resources to improve lives today and in the future, the benefits don’t stop there. Economic rewards include:

• Reduced energy costs: By maximizing energy efficiency, building green lowers operating and maintenance costs.
• Increased property values: LEED-compliant properties cost 21.4% more than noncertified spaces, and tenants willingly pay more per square foot for green space.
• Job growth and economic contribution: Sustainable design generates millions of employment opportunities and hundreds of billions of dollars for the economy.
• Improved productivity: By providing better indoor air quality, building green increases employee productivity. Promoting a healthier internal environment also results in less illness and fewer absences.
• Valuable durability: Sustainably designed structures make more out of less by lasting longer. Using materials that naturally stand up to time and the elements means less potential for repair or replacement.

What Are Some Social Benefits of Building Green?

When people are happier and healthier, they engage with and contribute to society more. The sustainable design supports social benefits like:

• Lower stress levels: More contact with our environment’s natural elements reduces physical and mental stress. Workers in eco-friendly facilities report that feelings of productivity and health carry over into interactions with others, increasing overall well-being.
• Stronger community identity: Green structures promote safer neighborhoods and encourage cooperation among residents.
• Greater empowerment: Efforts to make a healthier environment satisfy occupants and inspire them to create more positive change. Existing sustainably designed buildings serve as models for other similar structures, too.

Take Advantage of the Benefits of Building Green Today With An Expert

JRM Construction Management is proud to be a 100% employee-owned firm with an unparalleled ability to attract and retain the industry’s top talent. This status allows us to sponsor grants and administer projects that improve our communities and their inhabitants.

Our professionals are LEED-accredited to offer you the highest internationally accepted sustainable design and construction standards.

When you’re ready to leverage the positive impacts and cost savings a green building plan brings to you, contact a knowledgeable team member online.