As the Environmental Protection Agency states “The built environment has a vast impact on the natural environment, human health, and the economy.”  Through green building strategies, both economic and environmental performance can be improved they go on to point out.  Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction. However, the biggest impact is when it is started in the earliest stages of a building project. The EPA highlights that the potential benefits of green building can include:

Environmental benefits

• Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
• Improve air and water quality
• Reduce waste streams
• Conserve and restore natural resources

Economic benefits

• Reduce operating costs
• Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services
• Improve occupant productivity
• Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Social benefit

• Enhance occupant comfort and health
• Heighten aesthetic qualities
• Minimize strain on local infrastructure
• Improve overall quality of life

LEED Building

If you’re committed to green building and want to achieve recognition for those efforts on your project then pursuing a LEED certification might be the way to go. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is widely recognized as the standard for green building. The LEED rating system is available for virtually all building, community and home project types. Beckenhauer Construction can help you achieve the LEED certification you are interested in pursuing. Our team of LEED consultants bring a substantial background of successful project experience to any project seeking to achieve LEED certification.