Green Buildings Necessary to Reduce U.S. Carbon Emissions
Sir Richard Branson once revealed that when he went to a new city, he looked to who owned the biggest buildings, as they had the most money and the greatest influence in the land. Today nothing has changed; our buildings are growing ever more formidable across the metropolitan landscape, and as it turns out, they are the largest consumers of total energy consumption in the United States with a monumental 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. Read more about Future of Emissions Trading Markets: SO2, NOX, CO2, Mercury
Clearly, if we reform our buildings into green buildings, we can not only save US$350 billion per year in energy consumption, but can turn back the clock to an era when the ozone layer was intact.
Of course the building industry needs to understand and accept the exciting new technologies for green buildings that have become available in recent years. Along with water saving and energy saving appliances for humans, green buildings can participate in the global revolt against greenhouse gas emissions by incorporating building integrated photovoltaics such as solar panels to constitute roofing and external walls in green buildings.
With major infrastructure being invested in by national governments in a bid to stimulate the economies of the world, a plethora of employment opportunities lay waiting within the green buildings industry. In addition to incorporating green buildings technology into new structures, the adaptation of green buildings technology into existing structures also enhances productivity through job creation and economic growth. New York City has already earmarked US$3billion toward a green buildings legislative audit scheme. The green buildings scheme will only compel owners to make green buildings modifications if the expense is able to be recovered in energy cost savings within 5 years. Clearly, green buildings have struck some serious momentum in recent years.
Green buildings can utilize recycled materials to avoid the endless lifecycle of non biodegradable materials. Simple initiatives such as selecting an appropriate color scheme in green buildings will assist in reducing heating and cooling costs depending on its location.
The application of the many filter systems available to recycle waste such as grey water and oil are routinely accepted by numerous commercial enterprises tenanting these green buildings. Lighting costs in green buildings are reduced dramatically by the acquisition of fluorescent bulbs and skylight installation where appropriate. Restrooms can be fitted with water saving flushes displaying a half flush or a full flush. Taps can be set to motion sensors that eliminate water wastage permanently in green buildings. Indeed, many of these modifications are able to be incorporated early in the planning phase and can result in striking aesthetic appeal.
Climate change is reversible if we quell the source of our greatest greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the predominance of green buildings. If we wait until the ozone layer has reached its tipping point, we may have lost all hope for change.
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