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Streimer joins U.S. Green Building
Council, nation’s most progressive construction coalition
Streimer Sheet Metal Works has announced that it has joined
the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the nation’s
foremost coalition of leaders from the building industry,
which develops and markets buildings that are environmentally
friendly, profitable and healthful.
As the leading organization
representing the entire industry on environmental building
matters, the USGBC’s unique perspective and collective
power provides members with tremendous opportunities to change
the way buildings are designed, built and maintained.
LEED® (Leadership in Energy
& Environmental Design) is the nationally accepted standard
for green buildings developed by the USGBC.
A great opportunity to promote energy
efficiency and profitability
Tim Christensen, Streimer senior LEED
specialist, said that joining the USGBC gives Streimer the
opportunity to be involved early in the life of a potential
project. “We now have the chance to offer assistance
in the design and construction of a building that works within
the environment,” Christensen said.
LEED projects promote water conservation,
alternative energy sources such as solar power, energy-efficient
materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and
ultimately, greater energy savings and higher profitability.
Streimer involved in 3 LEED projects
More LEED projects are built in Portland
than in any other U.S. city. Streimer is currently assisting
on three LEED projects. The company is helping to construct
the Newberg Medical Center and a bioresearch building at Oregon
Health Sciences University in Portland. In addition, Streimer
is providing practical assistance during the design phase
of a multistage theater building in downtown Portland.
A sound investment in the future
Christensen said that Streimer believes
that the USGBC represents the wave of the future. “We
want to be involved and support environmentally sound projects
wherever we can,” he said. “The USGBC represents
a very good business model as well as a common sense model.”
While it is initially more expensive
to incorporate energy-efficient materials and systems within
a building, the payback on the investment is rapid, usually
within two years, Christensen said. In one current project
under construction in Portland, captured rainwater is used
to fill toilets in the building, saving thousands of dollars
on municipal water bills over the life of the building.
USGBC members like Streimer forge
strategic alliances with key industry and research organizations
and federal, state and local government agencies to create
more opportunities to build green. This in turn creates a
positive impact on the natural environment, economy, health
and productivity.
Building green takes on great importance
when you consider the following statistics
In the U.S., buildings account for:
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36% of total energy use
and 65% of electricity consumption. |
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30% of greenhouse gas
emissions. |
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30% of raw materials
use. |
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30% of waste output/136
million tons annually. |
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12% of potable water
consumption. |
Designers, builders and owners who want
to build green and maximize economic and environment performance
can leverage important breakthroughs in building science,
technology and operations.
Environmental benefits:
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Enhancing and protecting
ecosystems and biodiversity. |
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Improving air and water
quality. |
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Reducing solid waste. |
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Conserving natural resources. |
Economic benefits:
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Reducing
operating costs. |
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Enhancing asset value
and profits. |
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Improving employee productivity
and satisfaction. |
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Optimizing life-cycle
economic performance. |
Health and community benefits:
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Improving air, thermal
and acoustic environments. |
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Enhancing occupant comfort
and health. |
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Minimizing strain on
local infrastructure. |
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Contributing to overall
quality of life. |
The USGBC encourages representation from
all sectors of the building industry. USGBC membership provides
an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate change and help
shape the future of green building.
For more information visit the U.S.
Green Building Council (USGBC) Web Site at:
www.usgbc.org
Or Contact Tim Christensen at:
ta_christensen@streimer.com
503-288-9393
Fax: 503-288-3327
Toll Free: 1-888-288-DUCT (3828)
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