It's Easy Being Green

Building Earth Friendly not as Tough as in the Past

While the energy efficiencies of the Seattle Central Library's distinct glass curtainwall may be the most talked-about green aspect of the building, a number of other earth-friendly features have been worked into the building.

The library houses a storm water detention tank three times the size required, which will supply 100 percent of the water used to irrigate the landscaping. And on the construction side, 90 to 95 percent of the waste accumulated during demolition of the original building was recycled, and approximately 75 percent of construction waste is being recycled.

Building green is quickly becoming common practice, which is good news for owners, designers and builders. As green building grows in popularity, so does the availability of materials and companies familiar with the process. As competition within the marketplace heats up, prices go down.

"It's getting to be more and more the norm instead of something that's unique," said Hoffman's Doug Winn. "We can get framing, lumber, plywood flooring, et cetera, from multiple sources now instead of just one supplier because the market demand is there."

Hand in Hand: Designers Partner on Job
It's Easy Being Green