Community Development - Building

What is Green Building?

What is Green Building? Brochure
Green Building Program Contact Information

Green Building in Charlotte County.Green building is the practice and the integrated approach of increasing the efficiency in the use of resources (water, energy, and materials) while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle. That can be accomplished through better site planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. Green building is also referred to as sustainable or high performance building.

What are the benefits of building green?

The potential benefits of green building can include:

Environmental Benefits:

  • Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
  • Improve air and water quality
  • Reduce waste streams
  • Conserve and restore natural resources

Economic Benefits:

  • Reduce operating costs and maintenance
  • The materials are more durable and environmentally friendly
  • Improve occupant productivity
  • Optimize life-cycle economic performance They have higher resale value

Social Benefits:

  • Enhance occupant comfort and health
  • Heighten aesthetic qualities
  • Minimize strain on local infrastructure
  • Improve overall quality of life

When should I start thinking about building green?

Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction.  However, the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project.

Are green projects more expensive to construct and operate?

A green building may cost more up front.  However, surprisingly, good green buildings often cost only a few percentage points or no more to build than conventional designs. Plus they can save money over the life of the building through lower operating costs.  There are also many green products and materials that cost the same or even less than conventional ones.

What standards exist for green building? How are buildings certified as “green” in the U.S.?

Green building brings together a vast array of practices and techniques. Several voluntary consensus-based standards organizations are developing standards for green buildings, including:

What are the general items of making a building green?

There are several aspects to take into consideration when thinking green:

Site Selection and Landscaping

  • The choice of a building site and managing that site during construction are important considerations for the project’s sustainability.
  • Minimize the building's impact on ecosystems and waterways.
  • Control storm water runoff.
  • Reduce erosion and construction-related pollution.
  • Preserve and place native trees and plants.

Water Use

  • Encourage smarter use of water inside and out.
  • Use efficient appliances and fixtures.
  • Minimize or eliminate the use of chemicals in pools.

Energy Use

  • Promote the use of efficient appliances, air conditioning systems and lighting.
  • Take advantage of cross-ventilation and shades.

Materials

  • Use recycled content and local harvested and/or manufactured materials.
  • Use FSC wood.
  • Use carpet, backing, paint, adhesives and caulks that have low or no VOC.
  • Use materials that are recyclable.
  • RECYCLE!

Health Considerations   

  • Prevent pollutants from entering into the conditioned environment of the home.
  • Control intrusion of toxic fumes from automobiles and stored chemicals.
  • Manage moisture properly to avoid potential growth of mold, mildew and dust mites.

Disaster Attenuation

  • Take action to minimize the impact of hurricanes, flood, termites, and fire in your building.

Can I make my existing building friendlier to the environment and more energy efficient?

Yes, you can. Here are some examples...

  • Plant native vegetation
  • Harvest rain water for landscape irrigation
  • Compost and recycle
  • Use organic mulch
  • Make sure that your building has proper insulation and all gaps are sealed
  • Insulate the water heater and the hot water pipes
  • Provide power strips that can be switched off
  • Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient ones
  • Replace home appliances with Energy Star models
  • Install flow reducers on faucets and shower heads
  • Have impact protection for windows, doors and skylights
  • Make sure that exterior structures are properly anchored
  • If re-roofing, consider the lifetime of the product and its SRI value
  • If putting new windows, consider the Low-E (energy efficient) type

Contact Information

To find out more information on the Charlotte County Green Building Program, please contact:
Julia Galofre
LEED AP/Plans Examiner
Charlotte County Building and Growth Management Department
18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL  33948;
Phone:  941.743.1201   E-mail: Julia.Galofre@CharlotteFL.com