Kristi Loves Green!...Diary: Tour of Green Spaces

Why Build Green?

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings represent 39% of the primary energy use in the United States.

Buildings are also one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources and contribute a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States alone, buildings account for 38% of all CO2 emissions.

Building green saves money

On average, an upfront investment of 2% in green building design results in life cycle savings of 20% of total construction costs. That's more than ten times the initial investment.

Energy efficient buildings sell for as much as 10% higher per square foot than conventional buildings.

Building green stimulates the economy by creating a demand for green jobs that contibute directly to a sustainable future.

Green buildings consume less energy and fewer resources

Compared to the average commercial building, green buildings:

consume 26% less energy
lower maintenance costs by 13%
have 27% higher occupant satisfaction
emit 33% less greenhouse gases

Considering people in the United States spend almost 90% of their time indoors, improvements in indoor environments alone are estimated to save $17-48 billion in total health gains.

Source: U.S. Green Building Council

Stewart Perry

Leed Silver

The site is Sustainable... It utilizes many plants indigenous to central Alabama.

The space maximizes daylight and views..

The water reclamation tank was not part of LEED project, it is still impressive nontheless.

This Table is made of recycled wood.. The contractors created for the space with leftovers from the flooring. Since LEED point are given based on pound this table upped the anti for the project. :)

The gravel parking lot reduces heat island effect. Also, notice the bike wrack in the distance.. :) this and the commuter parking spaces apply to Sustainable Sites Category

Alagasco's Center for Energy and Technology

Is a LEED Silver facility that offers a beautiful space with state of the art technology and educational opportunites for consumers. The demonstration showroom highlights the latest in natural gas equipment and technology to train and educate energy decision makers and energy users. It promotes Energy Start rated equipment and allows consumers to assess the benefits of these products.
This facility also demonstrates the benefits of natural gas to consumers looking to create more sustainable spaces. When used to generate electricity, natural gas emits half the CO2 emissions of coal, 80 percent less nitrogen oxides and virtually no sulfur dioxide, mercury or particulate matter.