As in the color green, there are many shades, variations, and complexities to green development. Our goal here is to present the basics to get people to start thinking about ‘green’ and then to start implementing green building elements.
By simply using a single green element you’re on the road to what may become a certified green home or other building. Then someday, who knows, a net-zero building?
Purpose
Green or sustainable building is the practice of creating buildings that have fewer negative impacts on the environment and human health than conventionally built structures. Green building is making simple choices during the design and construction of your project that make it better for people who live or work there, better for our community, and better for the Earth.
Green Building Basics
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) defines green building as the design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants in the 5 broad areas of:
- Conservation of Materials and Resources
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Safeguarding Water and Water Efficiency
- Sustainable Site Planning
Explore the remaining sections of Whatcom County’s website and continue the learning process by visiting other websites in the Helpful Links section.