What is a Green Building?

Green building starts from the ground up with energy and resource saving products and materials. Building environmental performance can not only save your wallet and the earth, but also creates better indoor air quality and improved overall working conditions for more productive employees.

For information on where to buy green products and find green building professionals in the Bay Area, visit the Build It Green website.

Why Build Green?

The U.S. Green Building Council estimates that in the United States alone, buildings account for:

• 65% of electricity consumption,
• 36% of energy use,
• 30% of greenhouse gas emissions,
• 30% of raw materials use,
• 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
• 12% of potable water consumption.
  

Benefits of Green Building

Environmental benefits:

• Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
• Improve air and water quality
• Reduce solid waste
• Conserve natural resources
  

Economic benefits:

• Reduce operating costs
• Enhance asset value and profits
• Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
• Optimize life-cycle economic performance
  

Health and community benefits:

• Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments
• Enhance occupant comfort and health
• Minimize strain on local infrastructure
• Contribute to overall quality of life
  

Top 10 Things to Consider

1. Creatively go green

Start by seeing other examples of similar projects. Use recycled materials to create an inviting atmosphere in your space. Feature local environmental artists whose works reflect eco-thinking and are made of reused materials.

2. Attend informative seminars

Attend free workshops and seminars in your community to explore the multitude of low to no cost green building measures you can make today!

• Urban Solutions offers free workshops throughout the year on various small business topics.
• San Francisco Department of the Environment holds public meetings and events to connect with your community and the environment.
• PG&E offers an array of rebates for your small business equipment
• U.S. Green Building Council – Northern California
  

3. Use salvaged materials

Reduce your project’s impact on the environment by choosing previously used materials including: lumber, stone, paint and hardware. Always evaluate safety and energy and water efficiency when purchasing building materials.

4. Design an energy efficient space

Use high levels of cellulose insulation and high-performance double-paned windows. In warmer climate or areas with direct sunlight, choose windows with low solar heat gain glazing.

5. Waste Management – during construction and after construction

Construction waste management: When remodeling or thinking about construction projects at your business, always dispose of your waste properly. Increasing waste diversion on your next construction project means saving money, water and energy, and a better environment in the Bay Area.

Plan your waste management correctly from the start by calling your local NorCal Waste Systems subsidiary.

For a free waste audit and consultation of your San Francisco small business contact Sunset Scavenger and Golden Gate Disposal.

6. Encourage and promote daylight and views

Provide a connection between indoor spaces and the outdoor environment through the introduction of sunlight and views in the occupied areas of your building.

7. Save energy and conserve water with eco-friendly restroom fixtures and accessories including:

• Low-Flow Toilets
• Low-Flow Aerators: Sink and Pre Rinse Spray Valves
• High Efficiency Urinals
• Water Heaters: Electric versus Gas
  
  

8. Choose low-emitting, recycled, local/regional, and rapidly renewable materials

• Recycled: Building products made from recycled materials reduce solid waste problems, cut energy consumption in manufacturing, and save on natural resource use. A few examples of materials with recycled content are cellulose insulation, floor tile made from ground glass, and recycled plastic lumber.
• Locally produced building materials: Support local economies and minimize transportation costs and impact. Consider shopping for materials at local stores and find out where your building materials were made.
• Rapidly renewable materials: Rapidly renewable materials are distinguished from wood by the shorter harvest rotation—typically 10 years or less. They are biodegradable, often (but not always) low in VOC emissions, and generally produced from agricultural crops. Look for certified wood building materials with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification support sustainable forestry operations.
  

9. Buy green building products

• Build It Green
• Ecology Center/Eco-directory
  

10. Green Power

Over the next decade, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), will provide over $2.1 billion in solar power incentives for existing residential homes and existing (and new) commercial, industrial and agricultural properties. Solar power helps conserve resources, and has become easier to finance with California Solar Initiative incentives for small business owners. The California Solar Initiative provides various financial incentives for solar installation on your home or business.

If you are a renter, talk to your building’s owner about the financial incentives and benefits of solar power. Installing a solar power system will reduce consumption of fossil fuels, which is good for the environment, saves renters money on their energy bills, and is a good long-term investment for owners.