Building Green
Elizabeth Kibler
1Recently, humans have become more aware of how their actions impact Earth. Governments, organizations, and individuals try to improve the quality of Earth’s air and water by changing the way they do things. One area in which great improvements for the environment have been made is building and construction. This process, often called green building, is taking off in our country and around the world. The word green is used describe things that are good for nature because green plants can be a symbol of nature.
2Green buildings can come in many different styles and forms. These buildings can also use a number of different efficient technologies. Any type of technology that helps to use resources better or keeps people from using too much of a resource can help to make a building green.
3One of the biggest impacts a building has on Earth is the energy it uses. Currently, most of the world’s energy comes from burning fossil fuels. These fuels are dirty and when they are burned they pollute the air and water. One way to burn fewer fossil fuels is to reduce the amount of electricity a building has to use. Passive solar heating, which uses heat from the sun, reduces the amount of fossil fuel used to heat buildings. Passive solar heating requires a south-facing wall made of glass. When sunlight shines through the wall, it is collected and used to warm the building. Another way green buildings reduce their electricity use is to install other energy sources. For example, some green buildings use panels that turn energy from the sun into useable electricity.
4Another interesting advancement in green technology is the idea of green walls and green roofs, which are green because they are made from plants. Using plants as part of the building is a great way to make a building green. Green walls and roofs reduce the amount of cooling needed in the summer and heating needed in winter.
5Reducing the amount of fresh water used in building is another green trend. Some green buildings reduce the amount of water they use by installing gray water systems. Gray water is the term used to describe any waste water not from a toilet. This water is treated and used most often for irrigation. Gray water systems let people use less fresh water and keep waste water from taxing water treatment centers.
6Not only can green buildings reuse water, they can also reduce the amount of water they need. Low-flow toilets, sinks, and shower heads that use less water can save millions of gallons of water from being wasted every year. Also, some buildings and developments are reducing the amount of fresh water they use with xeriscaping methods. Xeriscaping, which is a form of landscaping, uses plants that require very little water.
7There are many technologies available that make building better for the environment. Builders should investigate and use some type of green technology in every new building.
The author MOST LIKELY italicized the word green in the first paragraph because
Responses
A the word is part of a title.the word is part of a title.
B the word is being described.the word is being described.
C the word is very interesting.the word is very interesting.
D the word is easy to recognize.