Green Building Facts

History

• According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the green building movement was formally initiated in the 1990s, with the formation of organizations, like the American Institute of Architect's Committee on the Environment, Energy Star program and U.S. Green Building Council. The federal government became actively involved in the movement beginning with the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Benefits

• Green building aims to reduce the use of toxic building materials. This not only is beneficial for the environment, but also benefits inhabitants and protects them from possible long-term health problems. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, green building especially aims to reduce the use and release of chemicals, such as urea-formaldehyde, organic solvents and radon.

Potential

• Green building also has the potential to save consumers on energy-related costs. Energy Star, a federal program initiated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy, certifies building materials and other products for consumer guidance, and many items are eligible for tax credits. The program saved Americans $17 billion on energy bills in 2009 alone.