The entire concept of GREEN has not only taken the wood products industry, but the entire world by storm. Being “environmentally friendly” and focusing on “green building” are two catchphrases that have gained impact, recognition and consciousness it today’s educated society. Hood Distribution certainly recognizes the further need for knowledge and source of supply for these GREEN products. Hood Distribution was built on the idea of quality products at competitive prices being readily available to our valuable customer base. We also now strive to create more value to our customer base by not only being a resource of material, but also a resource of information regarding the GREEN initiatives we are all now involved with.

WHY BUILD GREEN?

There are many financial, environmental, and social reasons for building GREEN. Annually, GREEN buildings save an average of:

• 40% of water consumption
  
• 30% of energy usage
  
• 50-75% in construction and demolition waste
  
• $58 billion in employee sick time
  
• $180 billion in increased worker productivity
  

The benefits of GREEN building contribute to the protection of our ecosystem, by improving air quality and conserving natural resources. GREEN constructed buildings are not only less strenuous on the environment, but they are also durable, comfortable, and increase resale value, making them excellent investments.

Traditionally constructed buildings are comparatively wasteful, consuming (% of world usage):

• 36% of energy use
  
• 65% of electricity consumption
  
• 30% of greenhouse gas emissions
  
• 30% of raw materials use
  
• 30% of waste output
  

Thanks to the increasing availability of GREEN educational tools, GREEN building is becoming culturally embraced and experiencing substantial growth. At the end of 2007, U.S. builders responsible for 80% of the nation's construction had incorporated GREEN practices into their building projects. Model Green Home Building Guidelines, governed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Development (LEED), governed by the U.S. Green Building Council, are the two major, nationally recognized GREEN building programs responsible for guiding and educating builders on GREEN practices.