Why does it matter? North Americans spend over 90% of their time in buildings - much of that time is spent at work. Buildings are responsible for 80% of total electricity and over 30% of total energy used annually. Standard buildings also account for significant portions of fresh water consumption during both construction and occupancy. Material waste generated through conventional construction practices accounts for up to 53% of landfill, depending on the location. LEED certified buildings are designed to reduce both energy and water consumption. Through innovative, sustainable design the Island Gateway LEED buildings are reducing environmental impact - and actually improving the current environmental health - during construction and for the long term, through sustainably designed and environmentally responsible buildings.
There are many planning and design elements that go into reaching a high level of LEED certification that help to greatly reduce water and electricity consumption and create comfortable, sustainable environments for the people working within them, and the ecology around them.
