Sustainable Building Technical Manual：Issues and Trends.pdf

SUSTAI ABLE BUILDI G TECH ICAL MA UAL Green Building Design, Construction, and Operations Produced by Public Technology Inc. US Green Building Council Sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency P U B L I C T E C H N O L O G Y , I N C . 2 5 Y E A R S O F P R O G R PART VII Issues and Trends Introduction While progress is being made in achieving sustainability, even greater levels of energy and environmental efficiency, durability, and renewability are possible as green build- ing practices continue to move forward. The benefits of economic savings and increased occupant productivity provide additional incentives to continue research and development in this field. As more public and private entities invest in sustainable practices, even greater opportunities for savings and optimal use of limited resources will emerge. Sustainable building practices are being adopted by an increasing number of building owners, both public and private, for both new construction and renovations. At the local government level, green building initiatives, including the adoption of public pol- icy and practices, are expanding each year in cities and counties across the United States. Many of these green building initiatives serve as models for future residential and commercial green programs. In the private sector, building owners and operators from major corporations to small businesses, along with product manufacturers, con- struction companies, and financiers, are discovering the economic and environmental benefits of green buildings. The final chapters of the manual address issues that affect the adoption and success of green building practices. Chapter 24, “Local Government