What is Green Building?

The practice of Green Building expands the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability and comfort to include a broader spectrum of criteria including its impact on the natural environment and human health.

There are a vast array of tools, technologies & methods used to support the goals of green building. Some of them are:

General Methods

• Custom Site Design
• Use of Infill Lots
• Minimal Site Disturbance
• Construction Debris Recyling
• Deconstruction & Reuse or Recycling

Heating & Cooling

• Heat Pumps
• In-Floor Radiant Heat
• Geothermal
• Masonry Stoves
• Passive & Active Solar Designs
• Wind
• Hydro

Energy Efficiency

• Tight Buildings
• Polar Blanket Insulation
• Spray Foam Insulation
• Sealed Ducts
• Positive Pressurization

• High-efficiency Energy Star appliances

• Zonal Heating
• Programmable Thermostats
• Energy efficient windows

• Compac Flourescent Lights
• LED Lights
• Automatic Closet & Pantry Switching
• High-Efficiency Water Heating Systems
• Maximizing natural lighting
• Solar electric and hot water systems

Air Quality

• Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)
• Whole House Air Filters
• Low VOC materials
• Hard surface flooring

Water Conservation

• Conserving Toilets & Appliances
• Graywater systems
• Rainwater catchment systems
• Bioswales
• Permeable pavement and other technologies that allow water infiltration

Framing

• Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs)
• Advanced Stick Framing
• Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
• Cobb
• Rammed Earth
• Straw Bale
• Ferrocement

Building Materials

• Composite Exterior Trim
• Composite Decking
• Fibercement Siding
• Forest Stewardship (FSC) Certified wood materials
• Reclaimed materials
• Recycled materials
• Recyclable materials

Green Building Resources