The Basics

The word "Green" has come to symbolize the 20th century environmental movement. Health, nature, growth, sustainability, and organic are all terms that we have come to associate with being Green. As we gain in consciousness we grow in our awareness of our interconnectedness with the Earth and all living creatures. We have come to understand that in order for 7 billion people to survive happily on this planet we have to be thoughtful caretakers. There is a limited supply of resources and yet a growing demand for those resources. Essentially, Green Building is a philosophy where we try to design and construct buildings that use resources wisely and that are also harmonious with the self and the environment.

Techniques and Materials

As Green Building techniques improve, what qualifies as Green Building will change and evolve. Something that is sustainable and energy efficient today might not be so tomorrow. Also, different people will have different interpretations as to what is Green and what isn't. Things that obscure a clear definition are politics, philosophical viewpoints, and marketing/media agendas. Just remember that the less negative impact the building has on the environment the better, and the more healthy the building is for people the better.

Here is a basic list of techniques and materials that most people would agree qualify as being Green:

Techniques

• Right size (build a home that suits the size of your family ... don't overbuild).
• Use onsite renewable energy (solar power, solar water heating, wind power).
• Green roofs (vegetation and soil roofs).
• Window, wall, and door orientation (design structure to minimize heat loss and maximize heat gains).
• Properly insulate, ventilate, and seal (build structure to minimize heat loss and maximize heat gains).
• Reduce waste (low flow toilets and shower heads, compost bins, make room for recycling, use clean greywater in yard).
• Keep and use native landscaping (native plants best handle rain).
• Harmony (help design a house that you will feel happy in; building should fit in with the natural environment and not hurt it, e.g. minimize rain water runoff).

Materials

• Use renewable materials (Bamboo, Straw, Coir, etc.).
• Use recycled products (wood, stone, brick, metal, etc.).
• Use water based products (paint, solvents, glue).
• Use non-toxic products (don't use wood treated with formaldehyde).
• Use biodegradable products.
• Reduce waste (use resources close at hand to minimize lost energy during transportation).
• Don't use carpet if you're sensitive to mold, dust, and allergens.

Remember, think in terms of the life cycle of your building. At some point it will be no more. The less harmful products you use, the less harm is done to the environment in the end. Also, you matter! If you are unhappy with your home, or if it's making you sick, the world in turn will suffer.