Green Buildings

Green buildings are designed, built, maintained and operated so as to be resource-efficient and have a low impact on the environment, both local and global. They often have lower operating costs than traditional buildings, due to lower energy and water needs. Many also lead to improved occupant health and productivity, due to good indoor air quality and daylighting.

Elements of green building include: energy efficiency, renewable energy, water stewardship, waste reduction, toxics use reduction, and use of environmentally preferrable products.

Read a primer on some aspects of green building, with local and non-local examples ->


Further resources:

• US EPA's Green Building Program
• U.S Green Building Council's LEED program, the primary green building certification program in the United States.