Shades of green

In the United States, buildings account for 48% of all energy consumption compared to 25% for industry, and 27% for transportation. Small changes in how we design and build can have significant impacts worldwide.

Elements of green design

• Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emmissions
• Conserve water, materials and resources
• Maintain healty indoor air quality
• Effectively manage storm water and other wastes
• Timber is a green material when compared with steel and concrete:
• Timber requires less energy to manufacture, produces less greenhouse gases, and reduces overall solid waste both in manufacturing and on site
• Timber is the only primary structural material that comes from a functioning, renewable ecosystem
• Timber is recycled and recyclable
• Timber can be sustainably harvested

More green features

• Enclosures such as straw bales, insulated concrete forms, and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
• Solar panels to generate electricity or heat water
• Rainwater catchment systems
• Geothermal heating and cooling systems
• Interior finishes such as bamboo, cork, low VOC paints and coatings
• Energy efficient and/or water conserving fixtures.