Why should I build sustainably?

There are several reasons to build sustainably. Not the least of which are the rising cost of fuel, the depletion of our natural resources, pollution and global warming.

Here are some more reasons:

1. As was mentioned above, there are several environmental benefits to sustainable building. They include reducing carbon emissions, waste reduction, and renewing and preserving natural resources.
2. Buildings built sustainably have better indoor air quality. The reduced level of allergens and toxins in the indoor environment helps people feel better. Studies have shown this leads to increased productivity and feelings of well-being in work environments.
3. Sustainable materials are comparable in quality to their non-sustainable counterparts. Often they are even more durable and/or have other characteristics that make them more desirable. For example, cork is naturally antimicrobial, making it perfect for kitchen and bathroom flooring.
4. Sustainable buildings are generally more energy efficient than their traditional cousins (up to 40% or more). Better systems design, proper equipment sizing, and a tightly sealed building all contribute to a reduced need for heating and cooling. With energy costs increasing, the amount of savings will only grow over time.
5. The real estate market is slowly beginning to recognise the increased value of sustainable buildings. Several studies have shown that commercial spaces in green buildings receive higher lease rates and have lower vacancies. The industry is currently working on developing the metrics to include sustainability when determining the value of buildings. Listing services exclusively for green buildings are now being developed as well.
6. There are government grants and incentives available for home insulation and heating systems in the new and retrofit market
With all these benefits, it is amazing that anyone would want to build any differently. But, there is a lot of misinformation out there about what sustainable construction involves and what its costs and benefits really are.

The article is an excerpt from the free ebook Sustainable Building 101, which can be requested from www.treehuggerconsulting.com

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