Green Building

The green building movement is exploding with growth. Local governments everywhere are incorporating green concepts into regulations and guidelines. San Francisco is soon to host West Coast Green, the largest green building conference with 250 exhibitors and dozens of speakers.

Green building is based on sustainability concepts and focusing on energy efficiency, construction that minimally impacts nature, and a healthy interior environment. A popular certification is the LEED program administered by the US Green Building Council.

There are many factors to consider when constructing a building or remodeling an existing one. Some these include: maximize insulation and use recycled materials; orient to benefit from passive solar concepts; install EnergyStar appliances; landscape with local plants and minimize water use; install low flow toilets; use daylighting and CFLs; and literally hundreds of other considerations.

New products and concepts are being introduced continually. Before building, remodeling, or purchasing a structure, evaluate green building concepts. These save money, add to your health, contribute to the health of the community and the environment. No wonder this movement is growing so fast.