The term "green building" refers to a way of designing and constructing buildings to increase performance and enhance the health and experience for people who work, live and play in these structures. A green building:
- Saves water and energy.
- Generates low carbon emissions.
- Uses renewable energy.
- Is space-efficient in size and design.
- Offers a healthier and safer built environment for occupants.
- Is responsive to local climate conditions.
- Uses locally-sourced products and services (within a 500 mile radius).
- Processes waste.
- Captures water.
- Uses minimal materials.
- Reuses existing structures
- Incorporates low-toxicity, healthy or recycled-content materials.
- Lasts a long time and is simple to maintain.
- Leaves behind minimal construction waste.
- Does not negatively impact the site.
Green building is also about exploration and experimentation. It’s gaining popularity with each passing year, growing from stand-alone green buildings, to ecodistricts to entire cities.