Buildings are responsible for an enormous amount of global energy use, resource consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. In the US, buildings account for almost 40 percent of national CO2 emissions and out-consume both the industrial and transportation sectors. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide. LEED certified buildings have 34% lower CO2 emissions, consume 25 percent less energy, and 11 percent less water. Not only is the construction of a LEED certified building green, but so is its function throughout its lifetime.
Green Buildings are Cost Effective
Investing in a green building makes properties more valuable. The average increase in value for a green building is around 4 percent. The investment will start to pay for itself in about 7 years.
Buildings that have been LEED certified between the years 2015-2018, in the US, are estimated to have $1.2 billion in energy savings, $149.5 million in water savings, $715.2 million in maintenance savings, and $154.2 million in waste savings.
Green Buildings are Expanding the Market & Breaking Records
By 2018, LEED green building construction will directly contribute 1.1 million jobs and $75.6 billion in wages.
LEED Buildings Perform Better
LEED is the international standard of excellence in green building with more than 90,000 LEED projects in 165 countries and territories.
LEED projects are getting results across the board, scoring an average Energy Star score of 89 out of 100 points.
Green Buildings Use Natural Resources Efficiently
These buildings have an enormous impact on the environment and climate change. Green buildings are expected to reduce water use by 15 percent and save more than 10 percent in operating costs.
LEED projects are responsible for diverting more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills. By 2030 that number is expected to jump to 540 million tons of waste.
Think your building is ready for a LEED certification? Take a look at how you can get yours here https://www.usgbc.org/credentials
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