How and where we build has a huge environmental impact. Buildings account for:
- 38 percent of annual carbon dioxide emissions
- 30 percent of both raw materials waste and landfill waste
- 12 percent of potable water consumption
The residential building sector accounts for a substantial amount of that consumption, causing more than half the carbon emissions from buildings overall for example. New home construction alone generates nearly 7 million tons of construction waste every year.
Sustainable development of affordable housing can help reverse these trends in a number of ways:
- achieving greater energy efficiencies through better systems as well as use of renewable resources such as solar and geothermal energy;
- reusing and recycling construction materials;
- capturing and filtering storm water; and
- incorporating natural landscaping and irrigation systems
Through combined strategies that reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, green communities help decrease elements that contribute to climate change.
Benefit #2: Natural Resources ConservationGreen communities aid in natural resources conservation through intelligent use of materials that are renewable, recycled/recyclable and durable.
Benefit #3: Water and Energy EfficiencyThrough the use of water-saving fixtures, energy-conserving appliances and building techniques, and proximity to schools, employment, services, and public transportation, green communities help conserve utilities.
Benefit #4: Reduced PollutionGreen buildings, through intelligent, environmentally sensitive site design and construction methods that reduce storm water runoff, reduce pollution and contribute to an environmentally sound neighborhood. Green affordable homes and communities can also reduce the environmental impacts of excessive driving and traffic congestions by locating in areas with easy access to goods, services, recreation and mass transit.
Benefit #5: Less WasteGreen building reduces waste through the recycling of materials and through the use of durable, sustainable products.
Benefit #6: Better Planned DevelopmentIntelligent house siting counteracts environmental damage particular to sprawl, including loss of land, and air and water pollution resulting from increased vehicle miles traveled.
