Green building utilizes sustainable resources and energy-efficient construction and design methods. With growing concern for the environment and how we as humans affect it, so-called “green” techniques are commonly implemented within a variety of structures, including residential homes and office buildings, hotels, retail stores, academic institutions, and other commercial properties.

There are several green building features incorporated into these spaces, many of which count toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which verifies a building adheres to certain green criteria. Not only does the environment benefit from this, but people do, too.

Here are several to consider:

SOLAR WATER HEATING

As outlined by Energy.gov, the official website for the U.S. Department of Energy, solar water heaters utilize the power of the sun to produce hot water: “They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use—sunshine—is free.”

This makes solar water heating an energy- and cost-efficient choice, with two main options: active or passive systems. The former has “circulating pumps and controls,” while the latter does not.

While often used in residential homes, solar water heaters are also utilized within many commercial buildings, too.

SUSTAINABLE INSULATION

Installing and upgrading insulation is a key step in any construction project. As stated by the Alexandria, VA-based trade association the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), one of the main advantages of insulation has to do with energy efficiency.

“The value of energy efficiency is obvious: it saves building occupants money on energy bills and reduces power plant CO2 emissions to lower carbon footprints,” it explains. “The benefits continue to grow in importance as energy bills rise and the public becomes more conscious of carbon impact.”

WINDOWS AND INTERIOR WALLS

Quality lighting is a core component of green building. While acceptable to use some artificial light, especially if environmentally friendly (i.e., LED bulbs), such structures focus on optimizing natural light. This involves strategically designing an interior that includes plenty of windows and reflective interior glass wall systems to help ensure occupants are exposed to an ample amount of this beneficial nutrient. Sunlight is not only good for their health—contributing to a positive immune system—but it's also more energy efficient, thus lowering electricity bills.

WATER-EFFICIENCY TECHNOLOGIES

The nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) specializing in the aforementioned LEED certification highlights the importance of water efficiency in a May 2014 article.

Titled “Green Building 101: How does water efficiency impact a building?” it states: “The operation of buildings, including landscaping, accounts for approximately 47 billion gallons [of water] per day—12% of total water use” in the United States. “Furthermore,” it continues, “large amounts of wastewater can overwhelm treatment facilities, and the untreated overflow can contaminate rivers, lakes, and the water table with bacteria, nitrogen, toxic metals, and other pollutants.”

There are technologies and strategies to improve water efficiency so a building doesn’t use more water than necessary, however. The article suggests installing “efficient plumbing fixtures,” using “non-portable water,” installing “submeters,” choosing “locally adapted plants,” using “xeriscaping,” and selecting “efficient irrigation technologies.”

Learn more about environmentally friendly building and LEED.