| Sustainable building, also known as 'green' building, is a | | | | just as attractive to most as well. |
| structure designed, built and operated in an | | | | With all the alternative energies, green building |
| ecologically friendly manner. Whether you are building | | | | products, geothermal heating systems and |
| new, adding on or just renovating, there are many | | | | indoor-air-pollution control systems, one can build a |
| products and practices you can use to reduce your | | | | 500 year, healthy home for very reasonable costs. All |
| carbon footprint. The savings are not only ecologic, | | | | the alternative energies will eventually begin paying |
| but economic as well. | | | | you. The expected longevity of the structure will |
| Building 'green' may cost more up front to build, but | | | | retain value. So... |
| brings continuous savings throughout the life of the | | | | By sticking with the three "r"s, your sustainable |
| structure. This approach uses a life-cycle cost analysis | | | | building is cost effective, ecologically effective and |
| determining the manageable up front costs and | | | | you will be more proud of your home than you can |
| compares that to the useful life of the building. | | | | imagine. There is no feeling quite like living |
| There are many benefits. Not just for the | | | | off-the-grid. To know, when the lights go out in |
| environment and your wallet. But, improvements in | | | | town, yours are the only ones on. While everyone is |
| your health, the well-being of the wildlife surrounding | | | | complaining about their utility bills rising, you care not. |
| the structure and a reduction in landfill wastes. | | | | What could be better? |
| Reducing pollution ranks up there on the top level of | | | | So, when building, remodeling, or adding on, do |
| the benefit chart, but a healthy living environment is | | | | yourself and your environment a favor....go 'green'! |