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The term “Green Building” is relatively new, but has become a common phrase in construction today. It is a general term that signifies the use of certain best practices in the building industry. There is a general consensus among industry professionals as well as activists that these practices contribute to socially, ethically, and environmentally responsible construction while promoting the evolution of modern building design.
 Incorporating the most efficient building envelope, electrical systems, HVAC equipment, energy management, plumbing-irrigation systems, and well adapted landscape designs into the design process of a building should be a first priority. This includes special consideration of what materials are specified for construction in order to promote the use of rapidly renewable and recycled building materials, decrease energy used for material production and transportation, reduce indoor air pollution, and increase building inhabitant productivity. Reusing and recycling existing building shells and systems should be considered when planning a construction project as well. Construction and demolition waste and pollution management is also important during the building process to reduce environmental and social impacts. And finally, the perception of the economic and environmental costs of any construction project should be expanded to include the maintenance/operations and overall lifecycle of a building’s site, shell, and systems.
 In the past several years, Glenn H. Johnson Construction has expanded this initiative and completed several projects obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification. Developed, implemented, and overseen by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification has become the industry standard for documentation and measurement of real world Green Building implementation. According to the USGBC, LEED-Certified buildings:
- Reduce landfill waste due to construction, demolition, and operations
- Lower operating costs and increase asset value
- Conserve energy and water resources
- Create healthier and more productive occupants and employees
- Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency and waste reduction
The South Loop Home Depot at 1300 S. Clinton was completed in February 2006 and has earned a Silver Certification under LEED for New Construction (NC) V2.1. The Best Buy at 3262 W. Belmont Ave. was completed in September 2008 and will be LEED Certified under LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI) V2.0.
With experienced and LEED competent personnel, including a certified LEED Accredited Professional on full-time staff, Glenn H. Johnson Construction strives to bring our clients environmentally responsible options in the contracting field. Our superintendents are trained and certified in storm water management, including Storm Water Pollution Prevention Planning (SWPPP) methods and practices. Daily reports are also completed by Superintendents on every project, detailing completed work, as well as best management practices being implemented in the field. Through these efforts, Glenn H. Johnson Construction is happy to provide our clients with the expertise to maintain environmental responsibility on and off the jobsite.
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