WHY DID WE "BUILD EFFICIENTLY?"

After the decision to construct our first green building, the Drury Inn & Suites in Flagstaff, Arizona, a common and reoccurring question was, "Why are you building a green building?"  The answer was easy.  Constructing buildings consumes many of the world's resources.  Of these resources, there are multiple areas within a construction site where costs can be minimized.  If proper planning, research and the knowledge of environmentally friendly products are utilized, negative environmental impacts can be minimized and some even eliminated.

Drury Hotels has always considered efficiency when constructing their hotels.  Drury Hotels is a leader in guest services and is one of the first hotel chains to seek LEED certification.  By implementing environmentally friendly building practices and procedures, and increasing building efficiency, Drury operated hotels are able to exhibit lower operating costs, an increase in energy and water conservation, reduced green house gas emissions, reduced construction waste, and increased worker productivity among individuals.

Buildings and new developments are integral to societal progress.  However, they can also be harmful to the environment.  Below are some statistics presented on the United States Green Building Council's website:

In the United States alone, buildings account for:
    65% of electricity consumption,
    36% of energy use,
    39% of greenhouse gas emissions,
    30% of raw materials use,
    30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
    12% of potable water consumption.

Building green provides numerous environmental, economic and health benefits.

Environmental Benefits:

·        Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity

·        Improve air and water quality

·        Reduce solid waste

·        Conserve natural resources

Economic Benefits:

·        Reduce operating costs

·        Enhance asset value and profits

·        Improve employee productivity and satisfaction

·        Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health and Community Benefits:

·        Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments

·        Enhance occupant comfort and health

·        Minimize strain on local infrastructure

·        Contribute to overall quality of life

Source:  USGBC Website