Green

Green Buildings Make Good Business Sense

Green building is not a fad or a development trend. Instead, it is an approach to construction that meets the demands of the challenging times in which we live. The benefits of green building are environmental, economic and social.

Environmental advantages include:

• Reduced fossil fuel emissions from climate control systems
• Water conservation from recycling of rainwater and greywater (wastewater generated by toilets, dishwashers & laundry machines)
• Erosion prevention through stormwater management
• Temperature control through use of building materials that insulate from heat & cold, and strategic planting of tress & bushes
• Reduction of waste generated during construction

Economic benefits of “green construction” are:

• Lower energy & water bills
• Increased property values
• Decreased infrastructure strain on the local power grid and water supply
• Reduced employee sick days due to natural lighting and improved ventilation
• Higher employee productivity

Social advantages of “green construction” are:

• Better health that reduces people’s use of healthcare services
• Increased ability of students to learn and achieve high test scores
• Improved exercise and recreational opportunities through preservation of natural environments

The misconception that the costs of green design, construction and certification are prohibitive is one of the barriers to widespread adoption of sustainable development. In fact, numerous studies have shown that, although green buildings may cost more to construct than traditional buildings (the "green premium"), that difference is more than offset in the long-term with lower utility bills, increased property values and higher employee productivity.

At KACIN, we’ll work with you to build “green” based on your specific requirements.

LEED Certification: The Basics

You’ve probably heard a lot about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program developed by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC), and may want to know more, so here’s an overview.

The USGBC, a non-profit organization comprised of leaders from all sectors of the building industry, works to promote "buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy. The USGBC developed the LEED system in 1999, and is the organization responsible for awarding LEED certification.

The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings' performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Specific LEED rating programs exist for:

• New Commercial Construction and Major Renovation Projects
• Guidelines for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects
• Existing Building Operations and Maintenance
• Commercial Interiors Projects
• Core and Shell Development Projects

At KACIN, we can help you earn LEED certification.