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Green Building

 

Green building has become one of the most visible and active areas of sustainability. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System—the benchmark for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

What have we done?

• Much of the interior of ASH, hidden by previous building renovations, was revealed and refinished during recent renovation.
  
• The shingle section of roof of the Engineering building (CPACS) was done with recycled plastic (milk containers).
  
• Whenever possible, furniture, casework, etc. is refurbished rather than replaced.
  
• Energy conservation efforts in new construction are being undertaken largely to new building standards.
  
• When selecting new floor coverings and interior furnishings, FMP endeavors to use materials which have a lower impact on the environment—both in the larger sense and the indoor one its new occupants will share.
  
• The University of Nebraska System now requires that new buildings be built to at least LEED standards.

What can we do?

• Adopt sustainable “guidelines” to assist in implementing prudent improvements. These may include ways to describe lifecycle costs, impacts of carpet & lights on energy and environment, use of time clocks and/or sensors for lighting, materials selection, plumbing fixtures (e.g., waterless urinals), performance based decision making (e.g., carpet replacement), recycling guidance for C&D waste, etc.
  
• Be selective when purchasing materials with which to furnish our offices. Choose low-impact materials not likely to release pollutants indoors.
  
• Use daylighting when possible—turn out lights that are unnecessary or in unoccupied areas.
  
• Work with FMP to select low-impact and healthy materials.
  
• Learn more!
  

More information:

United States Green Building Council

Diagram of a Green Building

Environmental Protection Agency

USGBC Flatwater Chapter

Emerging Green Builders