M10 AM Building Life-Cycle Capacity in the Greening of Buildings and Construction Consideration
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 11:40 AM in 341-342

(FAV-1118-068623) Analysis of the Growing Green Building Programs and the Application of Life Cycle Approaches.

Fava, J¹, ¹ Five Winds International, West Chester, PA, USA

ABSTRACT- UNEP indicated that 39 % of total energy use (both direct and indirect) could be attributed to shelter. The USGBC estimates that buildings in the US contribute to: 36% of total energy use; 65 % of electricity consumption; 30% of greenhouse gases emissions; 30% of raw materials use; 30% of waste output/136 million tons annually; and 12% of potable water consumption. On average, annualized costs of personnel amount to USD200 per square foot, compared to USD20 per square foot for bricks and mortar and USD2 per square foot for energy. A modest investment in features, such as access to pleasant views, increased daylight, fresh air, and personal environmental controls can quickly translate into significant bottom line savings. Significant opportunities exist to improve the environmental and social impacts/footprints associated with buildings and shelter. This presentation will summarize the current programs and actions of "green" buildings, describe key benefits being realized and discuss options, including application of LCA on how to improve the criteria and process to design, construct, operate, renovate and the demolition of buildings.

Key words: green buildings, environmental trends, life cycle assessment