GREEN LIVING: Eco-Friendly Architecture - Going Green

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Going Green - Developing Eco-Friendly Architecture by Crystal Ware

One of the biggest buzzwords of 2008 and most likely continuing in 2009 is Sustainability. The Going Green movement is underway and has been branded as a means of protecting the environment and saving households money.

From changing your light bulbs and taking your own bags to the supermarket to recycling and driving more efficient vehicles, the eco-friendly movement has taken the media by storm. You may have changed your home to reflect a more conscious living environment, but have you adapted your business?

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to sustainable building practices. This organization works to increase the number of structures that "are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work," according to the USGBC website. This organization is the primary leader behind the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. This system evaluates both homes and businesses to certify a structure that meets nationally accepted benchmarks for green design.

LEED Rating Systems

Adapting can not only move your business in a more eco-conscious direction, "greening" can also save money in the long haul. Determining the proper LEED certification for your building is the first step. There are different LEED Rating Systems for various building projects - New Construction, Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, Commercial Interiors, Core & Shell, Schools, Retail, Healthcare, Homes, and Neighborhood Developments.

Each rating system focuses on core design concepts: finding sustainable sites to build, water efficiency, optimizing energy performance and atmosphere, locating proper materials and resources, and creating efficient indoor environment quality. For more information on these LEED rating systems, see the USGBC website at www.usgb.com.

LEED Professional Accreditation

Becoming a LEED certified professional can be achieved through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). These professionals have honed the skills necessary to complete the LEED certification process and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and the Rating System. For more information on becoming a LEED Professional, see the GBCI website at www.gbci.org

If you are in the process of becoming a designer, these options may be appealing to you. For instance, those studying for an Interior Design Degree, CAD certification, or Visual Communications may all be interested in green building design. Interior Designers who are well-versed in the proper materials needed to complete a sustainable room may find a niche in the green market. Completing CAD training and LEED Accreditation can ensure that you know the proper tools and have the proper training necessary to design and implement an eco-conscious home or building. Finding a way to implement your current career into sustainable building will create a new demographic for your business.

Crystal is an account coordinator with Location3 Media.