Topic Overview:
Integrated sustainable design
In 1987 the United Nation's World Commission
on Environment and Development, known as the Brundtland
Commission, met to create a vision called "Our
Common Future" that was based upon sustainability.
"meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs."
Buildings and development affect water quality, air
quality, and ecosystems, impacting human healthy and
our quality of life. In addition to environmental
impacts, buildings have a large economic footprint.
Buildings represent more than 50 percent of
the nation's wealth, and the U.S. construction market
comprises 13% of U.S. GDP, and building-related fields
employ 10 million people
To remain competitive and continue to expand and
produce profits in the future, building industry professionals
are learning to address the environmental, social
and economic consequences of their industry. Through
careful planning, we can substantially reduce the
adverse impacts of the built environment.
Green Roofs and walls can actually improve degraded
environments and increase the comfort and productivity
of building occupants. Sustainable building is an
integrated approach that promotes environmental quality,
economic vitality, and social benefit through the
design, construction and operation of the built environment.
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