What is Green Building anyway ?

 “Green Building” simply refers to the design, construction, and operations of buildings (both residential & commercial) that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.
You may have heard the term “LEED Certified” associated with green building. This is a rating system applied by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) meaning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It simply rates a buildings “greenness” from simply being ‘certified’ to the highest level (platinum) showing the project has a achieved a minimum number of standards or “prerequisites” which ensure that every certified project embodies the essential elements of a green building.

Why build green ?

Firstly, lets clear something up…Building green does not involve builders or contractors who wear open toed sandals (its against most city codes anyway) and walk or ride bikes to their jobsite because vehicles are destroying the earth ! * The term “Building Green” still scares a lot of people. Fortunately it can be as small a gesture or as grand an achievement as you like.

Green Building is simply about responsibility, accountability (in our role as contractors) through sustainable building practices; and last but definitely not least saving you money and feeling good doing it!  (we like that too) Our wish is to see this practice cement itself in the industry as a staple for building.

* StaffordBuilt wishes to clarify that we have nothing against builders, contractors or anyone who     does wear sandals and rides a bike or walks to their respective jobsite; or indeed anyone who hires said builder or contractor.

 Scott Stafford is a part owner of StaffordBuilt Designers & Builders LLC. He learnt the trade in his native New Zealand where Green Building practices have been employed for many years.

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