SASD ONLINE - GREEN CONSTRUCTION

GREEN CONSTRUCTION

SASD identifies Green Construction as the complementary industry to renewable energy for the development of a sustainable economy. Together they provide incomparable potential for economic prosperity. Combining the regional green construction market with market share from the NYC Green Building Act of 2005 puts local green construction potential at a billion dollars.

Already at work are hundreds of construction firms, equipment dealers, suppliers, plumbers, electricians, surveyors, engineers, architects, financial analysts, lending officers and real estate brokers. What is needed is a better understanding of the essential interconnections between all of these professions and skill sets that green construction requires.

The goal of reasonably priced, energy independent homes, businesses and public facilities is possible and affordable. In fact, such buildings are more affordable than conventional buildings. Factor in the tremendous pressure on the environment of current construction and the conclusion is that energy independent buildings are the most affordable type of construction. Such websites as www.rmi.org are replete with case studies going back more than a decade of schools and commercial space that saved enough in operating costs through green construction that the construction cost of the building was zero – a gift to the community and owners.

Integrating financial analysis with engineering and architectural design, selection site, materials and technologies is the key to achieving energy independent or zero net energy construction. Architectural design can be modified to decrease energy needs and increase energy efficiency and production. Engineering, construction technology and green material selection can be shaped by financial analysis that finds synergies of cost savings and environmental savings.
SASD has begun to develop relations with experts who combine these essential skills and with lending agencies who can develop new mortgage and funding instruments to support energy independent and near-independent construction.