What is Green?

The process of green building incorporates environmental considerations into every phase of the home building process. Although we cannot avoid affecting the environment when we build a house, green building can work toward minimizing that environmental impact. The guiding principles behind a green built home ensure that it is well designed, energy efficient and resource efficient.

The benefits of owning a green home are:

• Lower operating costs- Utility bills are lower because of energy and water efficiency measures.
   
• Increased comfort- Green homes have relatively even temperatures throughout the home, with fewer drafts and better humidity control
   
• Improved environmental quality- Extra attention is paid to construction details that control moisture, building materials are used that contain less chemicals, and heating/cooling systems are designed to provide a healthier indoor environment.
   
• Enhanced durability and less maintenance- Green homes incorporate building materials and construction details that strive to increase the useful life of the individual components and the whole house.