Purpose

Components of Green Building

How do we build green? This may be the question you may be asking. The answer is simpler than you may have thought. Green building is really the idea of creating development having minimal impact to the environment. This is done by improving designs and construction techniques so that buildings last longer, use fewer resources including energy, water, and materials, are healthier for the occupants, and have low impact the site location. All green building programs including the Los Angeles County Green Building Program share these fundamental objectives. We achieve these goals by addressing some key construction and building features.

Site Considerations - Taking into account the location and impact of the development site and how it impacts the surrounding topography, water shed, and existing vegetation and wildlife.

Energy Efficiency - Looking at how much energy a building uses for space conditioning, lighting, and water heating.

Water Conservation - Reducing the amount of potable water used for irrigation and wasted water in the building.

Materials Recycling and Reuse - Conserving natural resources by recycling demolition debris and reducing the amount of raw materials used for construction.

Indoor Air Quality - Addresses how buildings can affect the health of the occupants through improved ventilation and decreased air pollutants.