| Sustainable design is the buzzword today along with | | | | mid-2005 by the U.S. Green Building Council on a trial |
| green building. There is a difference between the | | | | basis in 12 locations across the country. It is a rating |
| two. While green building means resource efficient | | | | system like Energy Star Homes program sponsored |
| and environmentally conscious, sustainable design is | | | | by the U.S. Department of Energy. When the pilot |
| based on three areas; energy conservation, indoor air | | | | program is completed in 2007 a updated rating |
| quality, and resource conservation. Viewed as | | | | system will be issued. |
| new-age in construction circles, sustainable design | | | | Homeowners can expect sustainable homes to be at |
| looks at homes holistically, and not just a bunch of | | | | the minimum more energy efficient and offer |
| unrelated systems thrown together. Natural forms of | | | | occupants better air quality. Home building product |
| energy, such as wind, solar, and geo-thermal if | | | | manufactures are making many more low impact, but |
| available on-site are maximized. | | | | high performance products. To learn more about |
| A new rating system for sustainable building has been | | | | sustainable home building contact National Association |
| rolled out. LEED or Leadership in Energy and | | | | of Home Builders and the Sustainable Buildings |
| Environmental Design for Homes was begun in | | | | Industry Council. |