RESPONSIBLE BUILDING FAQ'S
What is Sustainable Building?
Green is the use of:
- Design Considerations, and
- Construction Methodologies...
That make a home:
- Lower Maintenance
- Lower Operating Costs
- And, More Energy Efficient
Source: From Brother’s Strong Green Remodeling Presentation 2007 NAHB Green Building Seminar
What is LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance "green" homes. A green home uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability provides opportunities to create value and improve quality of life for the company, people and the community. Strong environmental and social performance contribute to sustained profitable growth.
- NPD/ Green Products/ GREEN Building
Solve Social Issues
- Community Connection
- NPD/ Innovation
- Customer Profitability
- Employee Satisfaction
- Shareholder Return
How is Green measured?
- LEED Residential (USGBC)
- LEED Commercial (USGBC)
- NAHB GREEN Building Guideline
- Regional Initiatives
What is a Carbon Footprint?
- A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service.
- Almost every activity in our society is responsible for the production of CO2 and other greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.
- Carbon footprinting is used to benchmark the level of CO2 generated by a process or in the production of a product.
What is a lifecycle analysis?
A life cycle analysis is a study of the environmental impact of a given product or service throughout its lifespan.
What is BEES?
- The BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) tool is a software program developed by the U.S. federal government to aid in selecting environmentally friendly and cost-effective building products.
- BEES uses data from Life Cycle Analyses of many building products to provide comparisons between products, allowing the user to choose the best product according to their preferences.
- BEES provides information on product performance in a variety of categories, including Global Warming, Human Health, Fossil Fuel Depletion, Ecological Toxicity, Indoor Air Quality, and others.