GREEN BUILDING (Carlson)

GREEN BUILDING (Carlson) Are green buildings practical in an age of terrorism? What efforts are being made to integrate sustainable architecture approaches with New York City’s post-9/11 building and fire codes? In a time when global warming is a hot-button issue and considering 80 percent of carbon emissions comes from buildings, the City has mandated that new building and major alteration be designed according to certain green design standards. Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC identifies green building as an opportunity to capitalize on innovative sustainable practices. What measures are in place to ensure that green buildings comply with building and fire code regulations? This piece will be narrowed as the reporting progresses, however the following facets of this issue will likely be discussed: City-issued economic incentives, LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the Freedom Tower as a Gold standard building, straw insulation, refrigeration/air conditioning equipment, and recycled construction materials.