Green Building Initiative

    This non-profit organization is determined to reinvent structures in today’s society by prioritizing sustainability and resilience. Their involvement is recognized internationally, and their mission is “to improve the built environment’s impact on climate and society.” Some of the primary objectives for each of GBI’s projects are:

1.      Reduce carbon emissions and promote the development of carbon-neutral buildings.

2.      Enhance water efficiency by reducing consumption and increasing recycling.

3.      Promote health and well-being through detailed design, construction, and sustainable building deconstruction.

4.      Practice a zero-waste goal.

5.      Utilize smart technology and buildings to pursue these goals.

6.      Quality education to foster a strong workforce.

7.      Utilize transparency to foster equity and inclusivity within communities.

8.      Report on ESG and SDG objectives to ensure positive impacts are being made.

    Civil engineering morals and obligations require all practicing engineers to prioritize sustainability and inclusion when designing infrastructure. However, GBI ensures these requirements are fully met.

    A project that was recognized by the GBI in 2022 was the Crate & Barrel Warehouse/Distribution Facility in Romeoville, Illinois. This warehouse was recognized for its variety of unique aspects that cause less environmental harm.

Environmentally friendly materials, reflective surfaces, a photovoltaic system, solar panels, and LED lighting with skylights for natural lighting were used. These systems pushed the facility to almost net-zero emissions and have one of the biggest renewable energy systems in the Midwest.

    Another building project that GBI considered an honorable mention in 2022 was the VA Clinic Multispecialty Outpatient Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. This facility is 275,000 square feet and five stories, dedicated to helping veterans. Shading systems were installed to reduce glare and solar heat. Water
conservation measures were also implemented, like low-flow plumbing and drought-tolerant plants. Their indoor and outdoor water use reductions from baseline standards were 34.8% and 50%. Their energy use was also reduced from the baseline standards by 36%.

    Resource use can be significantly reduced through the standards that the Green Building Initiative holds for all newly constructed infrastructure. These standards will help develop a world that promotes recycling and renewable energy resources.