Tips for Building Green

Use Green Building Materials

• One of the most basic things you can do to build "green" is to use sustainable materials in construction. Almost every type of building material manufactured today has a green alternative that does the same function with a less detrimental impact on the earth. Instead of treated lumber, use sustainably-harvested wood treated with green chemicals. Use siding and roofing materials that are not produced from petroleum. Consider environmentally-safe cement for the foundation of the building. Paint the building with paint made from non-polluting additives. Look for materials that are made from recycled items.

Efficient Heating and Cooling

• There are many green ideas for the heating and cooling of a building. The design of the building itself could be used to provide heat and naturally cool the structure. Tapping into geothermal energy or creating natural air flow through the building are two popular options. Consider solar energy, especially if you live in a very sunny area. Solar panel technology is constantly improving and is capable of providing heat when the temperature drops. Also, there are green alternatives to fiberglass insulation, including insulation made from cotton or non-petroleum-based foam.

Eliminating Waste

• You not only want to eliminate waste created during the building process, but you want to create a building that allows the occupants to create less waste throughout the life of the building as well. Make use of native plants and reduce the need to fill in the area with dirt. Implement a composting system into the home's design. Reduce soil erosion by using mulch made from recycled woods and biomass (waste vegetation) products.

Green Energy

• For most buildings, the biggest environmental impact is in the amount of energy the home consumes over the years. This can be mitigated through energy-efficient, alternative sources of power. Solar energy can again come in handy here in that it can be used to supplement or even replace coal-produced electricity in certain regions. Also, wind and hydroelectric energy are options that you can consider if the climate of the region is suitable for either of those sources. Additionally, smart grid energy products, such as breaker boxes and sockets, can help make the building greener.

Efficient Water Usage

• A runoff management system can collect and reuse rainwater that would otherwise go to the storm drain and place the water table out of balance. These systems include green roofs that allow rainwater to be used to grow plants on a roof, and storm water collectors that can store water for uses around the home. Also, low flow toilets and green water heaters and shower fixtures can make a building more efficient in its water use.