For those in the gaming, hospitality and retail industries, the effort to "go green" is beginning to catch on worldwide. Yet, while sounding simple enough, the effort to "go green" can be clouded by questions of "why," "how" and, of course, "how much?"

"Green grown is phenomenal across the glob. The business opportunities afforded by green building, even in the midst of a global economic crisis, are real and recognized by industry players," says McGraw-Hill Construction Vice President Harvey Bernstein.

What we have found at YWS America is that whether you are building from the ground up, renovating, upgrading or expanding, green is no longer a color choice, but a commitment and requirement. We believe "going green" will be incorporated into everyday life, similar to the effect the Americans with Disabilities Act had on the market when it was first introduced in 1990.

To that end, we are currently "going green" at our offices in Las Vegas by undergoing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. It is a voluntary program that is recognized around the world and allows building owners to gain third-party recognition of measurable green practices in the areas of design, construction, operations and maintenance. LEED buildings, on average, use 40 percent less water and 30 percent less energy while cutting carbon emissions by 35 percent and reducing solid waste by 70 percent.

 At YWS, we have the unique advantage of providing three separate perspectives on "going green."

As owners of our building, we understand that we must demonstrate environmental stewardship and responsibility.

As tenants in our own building, we understand that going green also reduces costs to building management such as maintenance and utilities, as well as those associated with employee sick leave, health care and productivity loss.

As architects who espouse sustainable designs, we believe that in this world of dwindling natural resources, high energy and maintenance costs and increased environmental awareness, it is imperative that today's public facilities set a positive sustainable example for the communities of which they are a part.

Source: RD&E Magazine