Building green is about common sense good building science and best management construction practices that make our homes more energy efficient and increase livability through reduced operational cost, decreased maintenance and improved life cycle sustainability. Green Building does not necessarily have to cost significantly more, and there are many ways to achieve green building goals.

There are typically seven components included in the planning and construction of a green certified home, renovation or land development. Green building and development projects incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process to minimize environmental impact. The design, construction, and operation of a home must focus on energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, and must take the home’s overall impact on the environment into account. Quality management is also a major factor in green construction and is monitored by a third party verifier to assure compliance with a set of standards.

1. Site Considerations, Lot Design and Preparation
2. Energy Efficiency
3. Water Efficiency
4. Resource Efficient Features
5. Indoor Air Quality
6. Operation, Maintenance and Homeowner Education
7. Global Impact

Strong relationships and successful projects are built on developing trust, mutually beneficial partnerships and open communication with customers, suppliers, contractors and everyone involved in a project.
- John Kremke II

For more information on green building practices, please visit the links below:

• www.nahbgreen.org
• How Homes Become Green
• Green Builder Magazine: Good Bones – A parade of homes brings a practical green message to the masses