Eco Faqs & Links

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Frequently Asked Questions

Global warming has resulted from an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels, coal, and oil. This is also known as the Greenhouse Effect.

How does global warming relate to sustainable building?

What do you say to people who say it's too expensive to build green?

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You can help!!

According to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) buildings:

account for nearly 50% of global warming
are responsible for emission of 30% of the greenhouse gases
contribute 65% of landfill waste, and
use 70% of the nation's electricity

The average energy savings from green building is 30%, and
the resource savings from using recycled content and not using

landfills (recycling or re-purposing) is between 50-90%, depending on the project's goals.

Some of the elements of environmentally responsible building do cost more, at least initially. However, many of the design and building practices advocated by eco designers cost no more than conventional practice. Zero cost premium is most common when sustainability is integrated early in the design process, rather than as a afterthought.

When designing/building green, please consider First-Costs vs Life Cycle costs. For example, when purchasing an energy efficient appliance, the first cost may be slightly higher. However, throughout the life cycle of that appliance, the amount of energy and money saved will far exceed the premium paid for the appliance at first cost.

How much more (if any) does it cost to incorporate green features into a building or renovation project at the onset? Recent research has concluded that green building costs 0-2% more than traditionally designed buildings at First-cost.

Keep in mind that buildings that earn the Energy Star Label, showed a 40% reduced operating costs compared to buildings with average energy performance. Annually, this equates to a $34 billion dollar savings for owners/operators.
In addition to energy savings, life-cycle costs are seen as a result of:

For commercial spaces:

References:

"No Cost Premium for Green" Architectural Products. October, 2007, Pg. 9. http://www.arch-products.com

"Green Building Costs and Financial Benefits". Kats, Gregory H. Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. www.masstech.org

Green Building Tax Credit Act. State Environmental Resource Center. www.serconline.org

US Green Building Council Info. on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification

Green Business Directory

Eco Broker Green Real Estate Experts

Energy Star Energy Efficient Products and Practices

NC Solar Center Renewable Energy & Directory of NC Sustainable Professionals

NC Healthy Built Homes Green Homes (North Carolina)

National Green Building Program Green Building Info.

Sustain Lane Green & Healthy Living Info.

Links:

Green People Directory

The Great Green List

RTP Links Directory of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill NC businesses

Healthy, Efficient, Disaster Resistant Products for Better Living

No. If you live or work in an existing building, there is a lot that can be done to reduce resource consumption. Existing buildings can become more energy efficient through improvements made to lighting and air quality.
Depending upon the building, you could see anywhere from a 10 to 50% reduction in energy costs. And that does not include using renewable energy; solar or wind energy may be available on site or by purchasing renewable energy certificates from your existing energy company.

Is Green building only relevant for new construction?

What impact can sustainable buildings have on the people who live or work there?

Sustainable design seeks to improve the overall indoor environmental quality; including cleaner air, less toxic materials, and increased access to natural light. As a result studies indicate: