Buildings incur a significant environmental impact:
• 65.2% of total U.S. electricity consumption
• More than 36% of total U.S. primary energy use
• 30% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
• 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste in the U.S.
(approx. 2.8 lbs/person/day)
• 12% of direct consumption of potable water in the U.S.
• 40% (3 billion tons annually) of raw materials use globally
Sources: USEPA 2001, USGS 1999, WorldWatch 1995

Buildings contribute to the following urban environmental issues:

Stormwater runoff – Runoff from rain or melting snow carries pollutants that seriously harm our rivers and lakes. Storm drains at curbs or in parking lots collect stormwater and move it away from buildings and houses. They often empty quickly and directly into rivers and lakes, not a sewage treatment plant, rapidly introducing high volumes of contaminated water into aquatic systems. Pollutants commonly found in urban runoff include sediment, fertilizer, animal feces, road salt, metal particles, oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and other toxics, including cleaning products, pesticides, and paint.

The Urban Heat Island Effect – Urban areas are significantly warmer and produce more harmful ozone than surrounding suburban areas due to the prevalence of heat absorbing buildings, dark surfaced pavements, and hot air vented through cooling systems. The envelope of hot air that hovers over cities due to these heat reflective materials and the lack of vegetation is known as the urban "heat island" effect. It can result in cities being as much as 7 to 10 degrees warmer than their suburban and rural counterparts, and in higher levels of smog and ozone. This additional heat can actually disrupt weather patterns within the city, leading to droughts or increased electrical storms within the city and surrounding areas.

What is a “green” building?

Urban Ecology Center Milwaukee, WI

A "green" building utilizes design, construction, and maintenance practices which significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of the building on occupants and the environment. Integrated strategies that solve multiple problems are commonly used.

 
KEY AREAS of Green Building Design

• Sustainable site planning
• Safeguarding water and water efficiency
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy
• Conservation of materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality

Benefits of Green Buildings

• Environmental benefits - Reduce negative impacts from natural resource consumption
• Economic benefits - Improve the bottom line
• Health and safety benefits - Enhance occupant health, comfort, and productivity
• Community benefits - Minimize strain on local infrastructures and improve quality of life

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Schlitz Audubon Center, Bayside, WI Currently in the final stages of LEED Certification [Source: The Kubala Washatko, Architects]

LEED was created by the U.S. Green Building Council in 1993 as a standard in “green” building design.  It is utilized to raise consumer awareness about environmental issues and promote environmental building.  Owners who wish to be recognized as a leader in the sustainable building market apply for LEED status.  Their LEED recognition is dependent on the “greenness” of the design and architecture of an existing or new building.  Then the building is evaluated and ranked as certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum by representatives of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Related Web Links:

LEED at USGBC
Award of Excellence Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Award of Merit The Urban Ecology Center
Wisconsin Green Building Alliance
US Green Building Council