Green Building

Energy costs are on the rise, weather patterns are unpredictable, and in certain parts of the world, smog is unbearable. While much of this pollution can be attributed to industrial development and transportation, buildings have profound impact on the environment. The green homebuilding movement has seen exponential growth in the past decade. Green building is a trend that is gaining momentum like a freight train.

Green building focuses on applying many mechanical and natural technologies, along with common sense, to help improve the living environment and to make it more efficient. It can be done by creating a design that uses sustainable materials, is energy efficient, uses alternative energy systems and minimizes toxic exposure. Energy and water conservation are two basic elements of green building but it also embraces the use of natural dynamics, recycled building materials, as well as non-allergenic materials.

Although we cannot avoid affecting the environment when we build a house, green building can work toward minimizing that environmental impact. There are many compelling reasons for changing the way we build and operate our homes. Products made from renewable resources are being well received and even demanded by buyers. Our customers are starting to ask us to incorporate green building technology into their new homes. They can realize direct benefits of owning a green home that offer lower operating costs, increased comfort, improved environmental quality, enhanced durability, and less maintenance. Programs promoting green residential building practices are becoming readily available for professionals and homeowners. Sustainable homebuilding is on the rise worldwide in response to the growing concerns about the health of our planet. More and more people are getting in tune with the concept of green building and we all need to jump on this freight train and do the same.

NAHB's National Green Building Program offers builders, remodelers, developers, and other home building professionals a variety of services to learn, incorporate, and market green building.

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation dedicated to improving the build environment. Our mission is "to lead and promote sustainability with environmental, economic, and social benefits through regional education and certification programs."

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.