Green Building Sourcebook  Components of Green Buildings

Siting and Landscape

• Building oriented to utilize natural heating and cooling features
• Building near public transportation and bike/walking paths
• Retention of natural habitat areas for wildlife
• Retention of native plants/replanting with native plants
• Low pesticide and herbicide use for landscape maintenance
• Rainwater or graywater retention for landscape use

Building Design

• Increased natural lighting
• Use of renewable energy sources
• Energy-efficient building systems
• High indoor air quality goals
• Energy and water-efficient appliances
• Less-toxic building materials
• Recycled-content building materials

Construction Practices

• Water pollution impact reduced during construction
• Protection of trees and topsoil during sitework
• Construction waste reduction and recycling
• Exposure to toxic materials reduced
• Water and electricity-conserving practices used on construction site

Building Use

• Built-in recycling systems
• Less toxic cleaning products
• Less toxic pest control products
• Adequate maintenance of appliances and heating/cooling systems
• Building reuse/remolding instead of demolition

source: Virginia Housing and the Environment Network, Regenerations, Vol.2, Issue No. 1.

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Effective strategies
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		Windows
		Floors
		Siding
		Roofing
		Heating/Cooling
		Lighting
		Appliances
		Insulation

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