FAQ 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


General

What is green?

Green is a growing trend in the design and construction industry that refers to the current thinking towards the spaces and buildings built for habitation. Simply put, it is the desire to reduce, reuse, and recycle our available natural resources.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is the method of harvesting or utilizing resources with the intent that these resources are not depleted or permanently damaged.

What are the costs associated with green construction? 

There is significant construction cost research available outlining the negligible increase in project budgets due to the incorporation of green building principles or the pursuit of LEED®certification. There are, however, certain sustainable elements that have initial higher costs such as photovoltaic systems, geothermal heating/cooling, etc. For more information, please visit this website.

What is building commissioning and what are its benefits?

Building commissioning is a verification process to ensure that systems within the building are operating properly and to the intent of design. Benefits include lower operating and maintenance costs, improved indoor air quality, and reduction in life cycle costing  among others.

What is LEED v3/2009?

LEED v3 is a multi-faceted approach implemented by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) intended to provide a new structure that incorporates new technologies and that addresses the most urgent green building principles. LEED v3 includes the introduction of LEED 2009, which has updated credits and points aimed at harmonizing the pre-existing LEED rating systems and LEED 2009 also addresses regional aspects of green building and design. It also includes updates to LEED online and the addition of a new building certification model, which is now administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). For more information, please visit this website.

Products

Green Roofs - click here to learn more.


Organizations

USGBC

USGBC stands for the United States Green Building Council. The USGBC is committed to advancing structures that are environmentally responsible and create healthy places to work and live. The USGBC also monitors, develops, and updates the LEED rating system. Please visit their website for more information about their mission and vision.

LEED

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an internationally recognized certification system that gauges a building’s performance in relation to site sustainability, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of natural resources. For more information, please visit:  http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1988

GBCI

GBCI stands for the Green Building Certification Institute and this organization provides third-party certification of registered LEED projects and also administers professional credentialing for professionals pursuing the status of a LEED accredited professional. For more information, please visit:  http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=19

Green Globes

Green Globes is an environmental design and managements tool, providing a rating system for green building design, operations, and maintenance. For more information, please visit:  http://www.greenglobes.com

Energy Star

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. For more information, please visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index

GBACPA

GBACPA stands for the Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania and this organization was formed to educate themselves and their colleagues about green design and sustainability.  For more information, please visit: http://gbacpa.org/about_us/index.html 

Sponsors
Harmon & Davies, P.C.

Harmon & Davies, P.C.

Martin Plastering Contractors

Martin Plastering Contractors

GEM Wall & Ceiling Contractors

GEM Wall & Ceiling Contractors

Sign Medix, Inc.

Sign Medix, Inc.

Associated Products Services, Inc.

Associated Products Services, Inc.