A comprehensive process of design and construction that employs techniques to minimize adverse environmental impacts and reduce the energy consumption of a building, while contributing to the health and productivity of its occupants.
The construction of a building so that it uses energy in a way that is both efficient and ecologically aware. Some types of green structures include window walls that utilize the sun for naturally lighting the building, and “green roofs,” which are gardens planted on entire rooftops as a form of insulation. See the links section for more information on green building.
a comprehensive view of home construction, where the entire project is considered an interrelated system. The components of the building work together to reduce energy needs, make the home run more smoothly and be more comfortable. It is also more than just the home. It is the home's surroundings, the landscaping. It is the neighborhood the home sits in.
A concept that emphasizes the design of buildings that are efficient in their use of materials, energy, and other natural resources throughout their life cycle, and incorporates consideration of human health, the natural environment, and the built environments of site and community. In practice, sustainable design is accomplished via collaborative design effort from the client, the builder, designers, and other stakeholders. First costs for well-designed green buildings can be comparable to those for conventional buildings while life-cycle costs can be considerably less.
a building whose design, construction, and operation promotes the preservation of resources and environmentally sensitive construction practices, systems and materials
a healthy building, and never is this more true -- or more important -- than in the case of health care facilities
a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner
Environmentally-sensitive design and construction practices which conserve natural resources such as energy, building materials, water, soil and air quality, producing broad economic, community and environmental benefits.
A building that minimizes impact on the environment through resource (energy, water, etc.) conservation and contributes to the health of its occupants. Comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and healthful environments characterize green buildings.
Designing for resource efficient use of materials in facility demolition, construction, and operations. For example, the U.S. Green Building Council issues voluntary industry standards known as the LEED Green Building Rating System(tm).
A construction method that promotes resource conservation (materials, energy, water) while reducing environmental impact and minimizing waste to create a healthy, comfortable environment and reduce operation and maintenance costs. The entire lifecycle of the building and its components is considered.
House construction techniques advancing energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental goals.
A green building is a building that has been constructed or renovated to incorporate design techniques, technologies, and materials that minimize its overall environmental impacts. Among these reduced impacts are reduced fossil fuel use for electricity and heat, minimal site disruption, lower water consumption, and fewer pollutants used and released during construction and occupation. The term “high-performance building†is often used when referring specifically to the energy efficiency and productivity benefits of a building, whereas “green building†refers to the broader environmental considerations of a building, including high-performance aspects. Learn more about green buildings.
A building constructed to incorporate design techniques and materials, which then minimize its environmental impacts.
"Green" building and sustainable design refers to the class of construction/design that involves energy-efficient practices, environmentally friendly materials, and practices that reduce negative impacts on the environment. Typical features of green building and sustainable design include energy conservation, water conservation, adaptive building reuse, and recycling of construction waste.
Green building or bioclimatic building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — the complete building life cycle.
The Cecil and Ida Green Building, also called the Green Building or Building 54, is an academic building at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was designed by noted architect I. M. Pei, who received his bachelor's degree from MIT.
