Buildings are where Americans spend 90% of their time.  There are many environmental impacts associated with buildings, whether commercial, institutional or residential.  In the U.S., buildings and their operations account for:

• 30 - 40% of national energy use
• 35 – 40% of municipal solid waste
• 25 – 30% of wood & raw materials use
• 25% of water usage

Buildings fundamentally impact people’s lives and the health of the planet. In the past, building design and construction choices were made carelessly, without regard to the natural environment, least toxic building materials, conservation, waste production, or employee productivity.

Green design and construction practices significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants.

Green buildings, also known as high performance buildings, provide a number of benefits to the building owner, manager, and employees. These include: increased worker productivity, reduced operational costs, energy efficiency and reduced liability. 

 Green building practices address:

• Sustainable site planning
• Safeguarding water and water efficiency
• Energy efficiency
• Conservation of materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality

Many builders and/or owners incorrectly assume that high performance buildings cost more to build. However, green design can actually decrease construction costs, chiefly by saving infrastructure expenses and by using passive cooling and heating techniques that make the most costly mechanical equipment unnecessary.

Green Buildings in Sarasota County
Sarasota County is committed to building all future facilities according to green design standards.

Green Building Standards
An overview of the U.S.-based rating system for green building design.

History of Green Building
Learn about the pioneers of the sustainable building movement.