Save 'Green' with green construction: sustainable design good for both the planet and the bottom line.

• Author: Houtman, Jim
• Position: ADVICE CONSTRUCTION

BY 2010, IT IS PREDICTED that between $29 billion and $57 billion a year will be spent on green construction. As government bodies continue to pass legislation needed for green building and manufacturers launch more environmentally friendly products, the era of green construction will continue to boom. In fact, the Indiana state legislature passed S.B. 226 in 2003, which requires that governmental bodies building public works facilities use energy-efficient materials.

But what exactly is green construction, and how does it benefit building owners?

Green design, also known as sustainable design, reduces a building's negative impact on the environment while enhancing its effects on the health and performance of the building's occupants. This is possible through a wide range of strategies, such as incorporating renewable materials, making use of more natural light and improving indoor air quality.

Green building also results in financial benefits. Here's an example: According to a February 2007 article in Forbes magazine, the Environmental Protection Agency spent $500,000 to make one of its buildings environmentally friendly Although this may seem costly, the EPA is now saving $610,000 a year because of the better design that is resulting in increased energy efficiency In addition, the renovations increased the building's value by $12 million.

Building owners also are eligible to receive tax credits, zoning allowances and other incentives if they meet requirements set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. Depending on the amount of certification points that the building garners, it can qualify as certified, silver, gold or platinum--each resulting in increased financial benefits for the building owner.

Investing in green materials. A wide variety of quality sustainable building materials are available, making it easier to build green and save money while doing it. Green building materials...