by Brianna Crandall — September 27, 2010—At the start of World Green Building Week September 20, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) launched a report on the important benefits green buildings can bring around the world. Tackling Global Climate Change, Meeting Local Priorities highlights how green buildings can play a valuable role in meeting local needs worldwide, including in areas hit by natural disasters, as well as provide the most cost-effective way of tackling climate change.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, buildings consume 30-40 percent of global energy. WorldGBC says that green buildings can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 35 percent, and in some cases can be carbon neutral. They can also reduce waste output by 70 percent, water usage by 40 percent, and energy usage 30-50 percent—in some cases producing energy that can be sent back to the grid.
The report brings together case studies from across four world regions, and provides evidence of how green buildings have been used effectively to meet local needs, while cutting carbon, including in the areas of: disaster recovery, job creation and local economy, and affordable housing and fuel poverty.
