Green Urbanism
Green Building Resources
Global Green has compiled a variey of resources that will help you build green, or learn more about the process. These resources include Global Green information sheets, links to useful websites, periodicals and relevant news items.
What Makes a Product Green
Building materials have multiple impacts on the environment, both positive and negative. It is important to carefully compare the characteristics of different products. The choices you make will be the result of these comparisons and often priorities differ depending on the specific environmental issues in your community.
One common way to assess these impacts is through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which considers the full range of a product’s environmental impacts, from resource extraction to manufacture and then through installation and ultimate disposal. This type of analysis allows for comprehensive and multidimensional product comparisons.
Why Build Green
Typical building construction, use, and demolition, as well as the manufacturing of building materials, contribute significantly to environmental problems. In the United States, buildings account for:
- 36% of total energy use
- 65% of electricity consumption
- 30% of greenhouse gas emissions
- 30% of raw materials use
- 30% of waste output (equal to 136 million tons annually)
- 12% of potable water consumption
- A typical 1700 sq. ft wood frame home requires the equivalent of clear cutting one-acre of forest
What Makes a Product Green
Global Green and Starbucks collaborated on the Planet Green Game to educate the public about climate change through engaging and informative game play, while encouraging individuals to become part of the solution in their own lives. The game also assists individuals – through simple tools and links – in advocating action by elected officials, business and community leaders.
