| Sustainable building is a concept which is fast catching | | | | Water consumption: The quantity of water |
| up with urban dwellers. The concepts involved in | | | | consumed, reusing rainwater, water efficient |
| sustainable building or construction primarily reflect the | | | | appliances, minimising and attenuating surface water |
| principals of sustainable development i.e. | | | | run-off to prevent flooding and pollution can all help |
| environmental protection, economic development, and | | | | save water. |
| social development, in design, building, maintenance | | | | Affordability: If it is proving very expensive, the cost |
| and occupation of buildings. These buildings are | | | | of ownership can be minimised. |
| designed and constructed keeping in mind the | | | | This can also help curb down the degradation of the |
| environmental standards. | | | | environment to a large extent. The choices made |
| Sustainable buildings will help minimise energy | | | | now will influence the quality of life of the next |
| requirements and help reduce water consumption, | | | | generation. This can also enhance the look of the |
| use materials which are of low environmental impact | | | | house. Sustainable building is not only eco friendly but |
| e.g. low embodied energy and resource efficient, | | | | also less expensive. Usage of natural, non-industrial |
| reduce wastage, conserve and enhance the natural | | | | materials, will also improve the energy equation when |
| environment and safeguard human health and | | | | building. |
| well-being too. | | | | Following certain green home building guidelines can |
| While constructing a green home building, you must | | | | help construct an environment friendly building. Apart |
| keep in mind certain factors: | | | | from houses, architecture and design firms, |
| Environmental factors: It is advisable to give due | | | | construction and development, hospitality, and other |
| consideration to conservation and enhancement of | | | | service providers too have incorporated these |
| the site ecology or biodiversity. | | | | guidelines. Such buildings are environment friendly. As |
| Look into how much energy is consumed: If suitable | | | | compared to commercial sector, the residential sector |
| measures are taken to minimise energy consumption, | | | | has lagged behind. |
| high levels of insulation are adopted, it can help | | | | Going in for such houses will help save a substantial |
| minimise energy consumption. Maximising daylight and | | | | amount of money too. Since, the products used for |
| using energy efficient lighting and appliances can also | | | | construction of houses are natural, they will be less |
| help achieve the goals. | | | | expensive. You can make your contribution by opting |
| Transportation facilities: If the site of construction is | | | | for eco friendly houses. Looking online for information |
| nearby, it can help minimise the expenses. One should | | | | on construction of such houses can help get the |
| give due consideration to transport routes, proximity | | | | required details about green home building. One can |
| to amenities and places of work, space for home | | | | get all the required information about sustainable |
| working also. | | | | architecture and natural building. |