Benefits of Building Green (see the following website: http://floridagreenbuilding.org/)
Green building reduces the impacts of development and construction, sustains energy and water resources, and improves the air quality and durability of buildings. Increasing the sustainability of a building or development also reduces operating costs, encourages housing affordability, and creates better communities.
Home and Business
For the home or business owner, green buildings provide a more comfortable and healthy living or work environment, as well as significant savings on ongoing operating costs such as energy, water and insurance bills. Green building can also provide increased protection from hurricanes, fire and termite damage due to more durable construction. An increase in resale value is another benefit owners can expect for high-performance green buildings.
Builder & Developer
Green building and development is being recognized as the new building trend. Building homes and commercial building with more energy efficiency and better indoor air quality is creating publicity and business for contractors. A green building is a solution to clients who have read new stories about health problems being cause by poor indoor air quality, mold and toxic materials. Add to that the expected future rise in the cost of energy, water and insurance here in Florida and it is easy to show a prospective customer the advantages of buying green. In a recent survey conducted by WCI Communities, Inc. and the Florida Energy Extension Service, 87 percent of Florida consumers surveyed said they would pay more for green home features if they recouped their expense with five years.
Community
The use of green building and development will help insure the protections of ecosystems and the conservation of natural resources. By providing easily accessible trails, parks and community pools, green communities offer people the chance to enjoy outdoor air, reducing health risks associated with indoor spaces. By effectively managing storm water, green communities protect, rather than endanger, surface and ground water resources. By preserving canopy trees, entire neighborhoods become cooler and more comfortable places to live.
