Society has become more environmentally conscious throughout the past several decades, which has undeniably affected many industries, including both commercial and residential construction.

The consequential adoption of “green” construction practices led the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to form the Committee on the Environment back in 1989. This began a domino effect, as numerous related guides, programs, and councils were developed in subsequent years.

The Association of Green Property Owners and Managers (AGPOM), for example, is but one such organization supporting property owners and managers who practice sustainability. The group has outlined several early milestones of the green building field, including the publication of its Environmental Resource Guide in 1992, and the establishment of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)—creator of the environmentally friendly LEED construction standards—shortly thereafter, in 1993.

This focus on green construction poses many benefits, not just for the environment, but also people. Here are several to consider:

1. Water Conservation

Water is an extremely important natural resource, for humans and wildlife alike, but it is also limited. Therefore, conserving as much as possible is vital.

A May 2017 article within the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), a program of the National Institute for Building Sciences, breaks down some of the significant cost savings associated with contractors and architects following effective strategies for water conservation. 

“Within the federal sector alone it is estimated that expenditures for water and sewer services reach up to $1 billion annually," it states. "Further, it is estimated that through moderate gains in water efficiency the federal government could save as much as $240 million per year.”

Such efforts could potentially help supply water to about 1.8 million people, the piece explains.  

Green construction facilitates this. For instance, the article shares several environmentally friendly practices that can help improve water quality, from “storm water settling ponds, kitchen grease-traps, eliminate garbage disposals, and lead-bearing products in potable water” to establishing “waste treatment and recycling centers.”

2. Energy Efficiency

A 2015 report by the University of Auckland titled “Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency” explains that green building and increased energy efficiency go hand in hand.

One aspect to this, the report shares, involves quality lighting. A sustainable structure “catches the sunlight outside and brings it in by using specific angled windows, disperses it all over the indoor space, and maintains a comfortable natural uniform light by controlling the artificial lights.” Other energy efficient initiatives include improving a building’s heating and cooling systems, and financially decreasing “both direct and indirect energy consumption.”

Increasing natural light—one of the many benefits of integrating glass into commercial designs—can help decrease a building's electricity bill, and is among several potentially applicable LEED program considerations. It can also improve occupants' views and overall health, since more daylight equates into more vitamin D.

3. Waste Reduction

As aforementioned, waste management is a major component of green building construction. The WBDG addresses this in an October 2016 article, explaining how following “green” strategies can not only help reduce waste, but help eliminate it altogether, and ensure you’re following federal regulations.

4. Job Creation

Green jobs are on the rise, including those in construction. The Center for Construction Research and Training, a nonprofit striving to improve the construction industry through studies and technical services, reports that about “217,000 workers in Building Equipment Installation (NAICS)” are expected to have some type of “green job” in just a couple years.

5. Economic Growth

Having more people employed is definitely good for the economy. But there are other ways this type of construction is contributing to the country’s wealth. A September 2015 article by the USGBC, one of its recent studies, which it conducted alongside business management consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, details some of green construction's positive economic influence, specifically in terms of gross domestic profit (GDP), labor earnings, and taxes.

“Our research shows that green building has created millions of jobs and contributed hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy, with the construction of LEED-certified buildings accounting for about 40 percent of green construction’s overall contribution to GDP in 2015,” says Booz Allen Hamilton senior associate David Erne in the piece. 

Further, the article states the USGBC expects “significant growth in green building’s contribution to individual states’ tax contributions and environmental asset indicators at both the national and state levels.”

6. Good For Your Health

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states a likely connection between poor air quality exposure and health issues. Green construction has been helping address this.

An August 2010 article by workplace safety and health resource EHS Today includes statistics underscoring the positive links between green building construction practices and air quality, detailing the impactful efforts of the Lower Manhattan Construction Control Center (LMCCC) overseeing developers and contractors amid an extraordinary amount of construction in the area in the wake of 9/11. 

"LMCCC is the agency that the community relies on to alleviate daily disruptions caused by construction," it states. "It does this in part through the environmental performance commitments (EPCs) to which developers are asked to comply—primarily those concerning noise, dust, vibration and traffic, though the list is comprehensive.

"LMCCC's work has led to an overall decrease in air pollution in Lower Manhattan for several years, even as extensive construction increased to record levels," the article continues. "To date, the agency's major accomplishments are based in the philosophy of informing residents of the ultimate benefits of the construction; advertising efforts to minimize disturbances and protect environmental quality; and providing easily accessible venues for continuous communication."

All of these points demonstrate the many positive impacts of "green" construction, which should encourage contractors and architects to embrace these practices if they haven’t already.

Renowned commercial interior glass manufacturer Dillmeier Glass Company can help create green building solutions that meet construction requirements and also help the environment. Contact Dillmeier today.