Building Green, Green Building, Building for Sustainable Living - What does it all mean and Just how do you build Green?
Green Design encompasses many topics and areas all of which contribute to when your home or building becomes Green. You must take into account site selection and how that fits into the total community environment. Once an appropriate site has been selected you must insure that the design of the home can be integrated into the site. Building Green can also deal with green financing considerations and the total use of energy-efficient appliances, lighting and the heating and cooling systems. These are the environment goals to guarantee an efficient home which deals with renewable energy generation.
You must also look at water usage and design to insure all systems contribute to total water conservation. Low-flow fixtures and using landscaping that does not need excessive water all contribute to this goal.
One very significant consideration is Indoor Air Quality Quality (AIQ). The design must take into account that the materials do not contribute to indoor emissions and that the home provides appropriate ventilation.
Putting together a design team is crucial to insure all Green considerations are explored. The end product of an energy efficient and healthy home is well worth the effort.
This can still be overwhelming. Here are some very informative sites that can help.
Building Green This is one of my favorite sites for getting really great information on building.
Green Building
Green Home Building
National Association of Home Builders - Green
Builder OnLine
Green Home Guide