“Green Building” What it means?

The term green gets used in many different ways and Green Building also gets interpreted differently depending on the intent of using the phrase. Green Building refers to sustainable and environmentally conscious building practices that include low impact materials and processes. The ultimate goal of green building is to reduce pollution, maximize energy use and incorporate the maximum amount of recycled materials possible.

Guidelines have been established through the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification Process and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Green Building Program. Both of these programs are being used throughout the building industry, with commercial and government projects paving the way and home builders associations trying to educate builders.

Many states and cities nation-wide have created requirements for new buildings to fall within LEED building standards.  LEED Certification for homes and residential developments is currently being created through the USGBC’s (US Green Building Council). These rating systems will allow home buyers to identify newly constructed homes that are both environmentally friendly and more affordable to own.

If you want to have a piece of paper certifying that your project meets one of these green standards, follow one of these standards. If you have a desire to be more energy efficient and be environmentally friendly, but if the certification is not important, find a builder that understands green building.