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Green building is incorporating environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the home building and land development process to minimize environmental impact. Simply put, green building is good building. It means making intentional decisions that affect the following:
- Energy efficiency improvements, such as high levels of insulation, efficient HVAC systems, high-performance windows and energy efficient appliances or lighting
- Water conservation measures, such as water-efficient appliances, water conserving fixtures, water filtration systems, and water-efficient or low-maintenance landscaping
- Resource conservation techniques, such as using high-performance engineered wood, wood alternatives, allergen-free materials, recycled building materials, sustainably harvested lumber and more durable products
- Indoor environmental quality considerations, such as effective HVAC Equipment, use of formaldehyde-free finishes, and use of products with minimum off-gassing or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Site design techniques, like minimizing disruption and preserving open space
- Home owner education through green orientations, and manuals or operating guides
Most home builders are already incorporating elements of green building into their current practices. As those efforts are recognized, and builders and homeowners come to understand the best practices involved in constructing and occupying a green home, more and more mainstream home builders are effectively and holistically weaving environmental concerns into their business models. The result is homes that can perform more efficiently, and have less impact on the environment.
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