The “green” building and design movement incorporates lighting as a major factor to reduce energy use, improve work conditions, and reduce environmental impacts.  And no wonder -- in North America, buildings account for 65% of the total electricity consumption and 30% of the associated greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuel to produce enough energy to meet that demand. (U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, March 2001, Monthly Energy Review).

State, local and provincial governments, colleges and universities, corporations, and even the Federal government are creating policies requiring “green building” to consider design, construction, and decommissioning before a project – new or retrofit – is undertaken.  The overall goals of green building are to improve energy performance, reduce energy and water consumption, increase use of local and/or recycled materials, improve indoor air quality, promote “smart growth” strategies, and improve economic performance of these buildings.   

SYLVANIA products are the perfect choice to meet the lighting needs, requirements and prerequisites of any green building rating system.