building greener building better the quiet revolution.(HTD)pdf

Green building, one of the most significant developments in home building in the past three decades, is nothing less than a quiet revolution in the way that new homes and communities are planned and constructed.

Broadly defined as building new homes in a manner that conserves resources, green building can include numerous elements affecting virtually every aspect of the development and construction process and the physical structure of the house. Generally, it involves one or more of the following:

Land planning and design techniques that preserve the natural environment and minimize disturbance of the land.
Site development to reduce erosion, minimize paved surfaces and runoff and protect vegetation, especially trees.
Water conservation indoors and outdoors.
Energy efficiency in heating/cooling systems, appliances, lighting and the building envelope.
Selection of materials based on recyclability, durability and the amount of energy used to create the material.
Waste reduction, reuse and recycling during construction and throughout the life of the home.
Perhaps the most important aspect of green building is that it is not an “all or nothing” endeavor. When carefully selected and implemented, even modest measures can result in significant conservation of resources. Green building is also uniquely local. Because climates, customs, availability of materials and preferences vary so much throughout the nation, green building measures that are essential in some areas may not be appropriate for others.