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Commercial and residential buildings have huge environmental impacts. It is estimated that, in the United States alone, commercial and residential buildings consume some 65 percent of all electricity generated, 12 percent of fresh water supplies and 40 percent of all raw materials, as well as contributing about one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Building refers to design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants. Potential positive effects of green building practices include sustainable use of energy, materials, and water, along with lower resource and waste disposal costs, as well as increased comfort and well-being for occupants. Buildings designed in an environmentally conscious manner represent an important opportunity to accrue environmental benefits for generations.
Despite these environmental and economic benefits, green building represents only a small fraction of the new construction in North America. To examine the status of green building in North America, as well as some of the drivers and barriers to its development, the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is initiating a report on Green Building in North America: Opportunities and Challenges.
This report will examine the current status of, and future prospects for, green buildings in North America. It will highlight the potential for environmental benefits, examine factors behind notable successes and difficulties, and outline public and private measures for fostering the adaptation of green building practices. It will also contain specific recommendations from the Secretariat to the CEC Council—the top environment officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States—on the issues raised in the report.
To assist in the development of the report, the Secretariat has convened an international advisory group with broad expertise relevant to the entire spectrum of green building. Members include prominent developers and architects, sustainable energy experts, real estate appraisers and brokers, together with local and national government representatives.
This report is prepared pursuant to Article 13 of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC). In preparing such a report, the Secretariat may draw upon any relevant technical, scientific or other information and may use information gathered through public consultations, such as conferences, seminars and symposia.
As with previous CEC Secretariat reports prepared in accordance with Article 13 of the NAAEC, the process will include:
- Selection of an advisory group representing specific expertise and stakeholders from each country;
- Development and circulation of various background papers for public comment;
- Consultation with stakeholders and the public in each of our three countries, including a public symposium at which the issues are given further scrutiny;
- Submission of the Secretariat's report, including the advisory group’s advice on recommendations, to Council; and
- Public release of the final report, unless the Council otherwise decides otherwise.
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