Allied's green career training in today's emerging green technologies prepares you to realize new and exciting career opportunities. Learn about solar energy and green building - solar training and renewable energy courses will prepare you start an environmentally-friendly career.
$350 Million Green Building Renovation Highlights Ultimate Sustainability Goals
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
An example of ultimate sustainability goals? A $350 million green building renovation on one of the most visible landmarks today - the Chicago Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). In an effort to reduce energy consumption by as much as 80 percent, a significant modernization project has been planned. The project is designed to result in energy savings and reduced CO2 emission, and serve as a highly-visible 'green building' example worldwide. The Willis Tower project is designed to have a positive impact on the environment, create jobs and increase overall economic growth. The building, which already meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria, will undertake sustainability initiatives above and beyond those used by the United Stated Green Building Council to rate a green building. Some of the modernization strategies, designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), include: 60% reduction in heating energy - replacement and glazing of the existing 16,000 single pane windows 90% mechanical efficiency - upgrade of current systems to new gas boilers that use fuel cell technologies; installation of high-efficiency chillers 40% energy reduction - implement latest technology into 104 high speed elevators and 15 escalators 40% water reduction - upgrade restroom fixtures, condensation recovery systems and landscaping 40% lighting reduction - implement advanced lighting control systems and daylight harvesting Other improvements include: green roofs, wind turbines and solar hot-water panels that will help heat water for the building. Additionally, the sustainability plans also intend to increase economic development in the West Loop, creating more than 3,600 jobs. Implementing dramatic green changes to the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere will serve as an example for all other buildings nationwide - showing that sustainable initiatives are within reach for all buildings. In fact, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, the "built" environment has a significant impact on the natural environment, economy, health, and overall productivity. In the U.S., buildings account for: 72% of electricity consumption, 39% of energy use, 38% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 40% of raw materials use, 30% of waste output, and 14% of potable water consumption. Allied's Green Building Practices course is considered qualifying education for those individuals who do not have qualifying work experience and wish to sit for the LEED Green Associate certification exam. Students can build their education foundation and take the steps to become a respected LEED professional. The opportunities in the green building industry are abundant - a project such as the Willis Tower renovation might even be in their future.
Labels: energy efficiency, green building, green changes, green renovation, renewable enery
Read More >>$350 Million Green Building Renovation Highlights Ultimate Sustainability Goals
What is Green Building
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The office of the Federal Environmental Executive defines a green building as "the practice of
- Increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials.
- Reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal-the complete building life cycle." Buildings are responsible for almost one-half of all greenhouse gas emissions today. Click here to learn about our Green Job Training.
Labels: green building, green traiing, what is green buildling
Read More >>What is Green Building
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