Environment
Building green uses less building material and/or utilizes materials that originate from recycled or renewable raw materials. This means less demand on resources like mines and forests, therefore conserving resources and our environment.

Green buildings operate using less energy, which conserves our energy resources while reducing the amount of pollution produced by power plants.

Sustainable building is also responsive to its site by providing public green space, reducing potable water usage for landscaping, and/or minimizing its footprint on an undeveloped site.

Productivity & Employee Retention
Green buildings have better indoor air quality and more natural lighting than conventional buildings, which leads to healthier, happier employees. Content employees are more productive and have a significantly lower rate of absenteeism. Green buildings also have significantly lower rates of employee turnover or “churn”.

Public Appeal: Increased Sales or Lease
“Green Buildings” and “Green Design” are very popular topics in today’s culture. Buildings or companies able to brand themselves as green have a greater appeal to the general public, potential employees, tenants, and/or investors.

Reduced Operating Costs
The green building movement involves reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. This is achieved through efficient lighting & mechanical systems, alternative power sources, increased insulation, and smart design. The result is an annual cost savings in your building’s operations budget.

Reduced Construction Cost
Although some aspects of green building have higher up-front costs, some green buildings are less expensive to construct than conventional buildings. These savings are associated with smaller mechanical equipment, less raw material, and integrated design.

Tax Incentives
Tax incentives exist for both the residential and commercial industries on national & local levels. In the City of Cincinnati, there is an incentive that gives a 15-year tax abatement to buildings that are “Going Green”.

Ask your ArchitectsPlus design professional about ways your project can “Go Green”!