The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) defines commercial buildings as “those designed, built and operated for any use other than residential, manufacturing, or agriculture, including everything from schools to hospitals, offices to grocery stores.” Commercial buildings affect the environment, economy, health and even worker productivity. According to ENERGY STAR®, a program sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), commercial buildings account for 18% of total U.S. energy consumption and contribute an estimated 15% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Properly designed, constructed and operated green buildings can have significant health, economic and environmental benefits. This occurs through decreased energy use, improved ventilation and lighting, a reduction
in the use of fossil fuels and decrease in the amount of associated greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, enhanced community education and an increased understanding, availability and uptake of green building technology.

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