Responsible Building Practices
As recyclable materials, job site responsibility, and renewable energy become more important in building construction, metal continues to provide the best resource as a material option.
Green building is a holistic approach to building in a way that positively affects the environment. It’s an effort that aims to increase the positive and decrease the negative effects on the environment throughout the entire building process, from beginning to end. There are a lot of different definitions of green building, however it’s been generally accepted that the planning, design, construction, and operations of buildings, both commercial and residential, have the following central considerations: water and energy use, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and the building’s effects on its site.
Green building began as a movement back in the 1960’s over a growing concern of the energy crisis and pollution that was developing in the US and abroad. Although the green building movement originated in the US, it has now spread across the world in an effort to create more energy efficient and environmentally friendly living and work environments, and to reduce environmental impact. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) founded itself in 1993, and developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building standards. These standards have transformed the building industry.
The elements above make up basic qualifications within the LEED green building rating system. Green building is considered to be LEED building. LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which acts as a general framework for making decisions during a project and rewards innovation and best practices by recognizing outstanding projects that showcase different levels of LEED certifications. Receiving a LEED plaque is a well-known distinction that signifies a building that was construed or operated in healthy, high-performing, and resource efficient ways.
Green building is the future of building, and metal roofing is one of the best green building materials you can use to reduce your carbon footprint.
At Bridger Steel, we understand how important it is to take care of our environment, and that’s why our metal is 100% recyclable and creates ideal surfaces for solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting.
Building construction and design requirements are now based on the following categories:
Based on these design requirements, a combined base of 100 points can qualify a project for Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum Status. This accreditation can provide significant savings through tax credits and other financial opportunities through utilities and wastewater operations of a building.
If you’re interested in learning more about green building and how Bridger Steel can provide you with environmentally friendly building materials, contact our team today!
