|
Metropolitan Engineering, Inc. is committed to designing spaces and buildings which incorporate the  principles of sustainability. Whenever practical for our clients, we encourage incorporation of elements from various US Green Building Council LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating systems. Per their website, “the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.” LEED® provides guidelines for making site selection, design, construction, and operational choices that result in buildings which consume less energy than non-LEED buildings, and are less destructive to the environment.
According to the American Institute of Architects, buildings consume more than 60 percent of the electricity generated in the US and this energy consumption accounts for at least 35 percent of the US carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition, buildings use 35 percent of all materials produced in the US and more than 25 percent of the world’s harvested wood.
But in addition to being good for the environment, building “green” has significant positive results in other areas as well. Some of these benefits include:
Environmental:
- Restoration and protection of natural habitats
- Improvement in air and water quality
- Reduction of solid waste and stormwater run-off
- Encourage use of renewable natural resources, as well as recycling of existing materials
- Minimize transportation to bring materials to construction sites
Economic:
- Reduce Operating Costs
- Enhance asset value and profits
- Recognize higher rents and occupancy
- Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Health and Community
- Improve buildings’ air quality for better occupant comfort and health
- Provide more comfortable thermal conditions
- Allow for greater natural daylight within buildings
|
