Five Areas of Concentration:
1. Environmental Considerations (Health, Air
Quality, Waste Water, Storm Water
Management)
2. Waste Reduction
3. Pollution Prevention
4. Water Conservation
5. Energy Conservation
Green building/products focuses on energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, resource efficiency, site management, and water conservation.
Quick Tips
This list provides basic suggestions and recommendations for homeowners who are interested in incorporating sustainable techniques into their desired project.
- Research ways to recycle, reduce, and reuse where possible
- Explore ways to reduce energy usage, waste, and water consumption
- Reduce exposure of hazardous materials (chemicals/waste products that cannot be recycled/disposed of without special handling procedures)
- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Program thermostat settings
- Plug air leaks
- Choose energy star appliances
- Explore solar opportunities
- Water use reduction
- Identify green power opportunities
- Choose low-voc products
- Use wood alternatives or wood products certified by Forrest Stewardship Council (FSC)
- Provide shade and wind protection by planting trees
- Use native plantings
- Research how green building can save costs