Why Build Green?
Better indoor air quality, lower operating costs, and fewer adverse environmental impacts are a few of the many reasons Austin Energy Green Building™ recommends you build green.

Materials

Reduce natural resource depletion by selecting materials that use wood, minerals, and petroleum products efficiently.

Energy

	Green buildings consume nearly half the total energy produced annually in the U.S.
	Reduce air pollution—in 1998, nearly 5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were produced to meet the energy demand of Austin's commercial customers.

Water

	Conserve! In 1998, Austin's commercial water customers used nearly 11 billion gallons of water, almost 25% of the City's total water used. Processing water and wastewater is the single largest use of electricity in Austin.
	Take advantage of rainwater harvesting. On average, a 2,000 sq. ft roof area can capture more than 31,000 gallons of rain annually. Rain water can be used for a variety of purposes.

Waste

Reduce construction and demolition waste to preserve our remaining landfill space. This type of waste contributes nearly 30% to landfills annually. Addressing the problem beforehand saves money associated with raw materials, disposal, regulatory compliance, and liability.

Health and Liability

	Sick Building Syndrome and building-related illnesses are found in up to 30% of new and renovated buildings. Indoor air quality problems increase building owner and employer costs due to sickness, absenteeism, and increased liability claims.
	Buildings with effective ventilation, natural light, and proper lighting levels can increase worker productivity by as much as 16%.