How to Build a Green Design

Building a green design involves careful planning.

Sustainable or "green" building design is more than a passing trend. New homes, businesses and other building types can lessen their impact on the environment by complying with the tenants of green design, which aim to conserve energy, reduce waste and incorporate local and sustainable materials. Every successful green building project is the result of careful planning and coordination. You must comply with a different set of parameters and re-evaluate traditional building methods.

Things You'll Need

• Contract with green-building consultant
• CAD software
• Construction documents
• Sustainable building materials
• Construction waste management plan

Instructions

1. Engage a green building consultant. Architects, engineers and other consultants who are accredited by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program can advise you of green building techniques and help you coordinate the building process. Also, you should find a contractor with a well-rounded portfolio of sustainable projects. By assembling a team of experienced green building professionals, you ensure that the goal of achieving a green design is kept at the forefront.

2. Plan your green design from concept to construction documents. Begin with preliminary sketches and then transport the design into a Computer Aided Drafting program to develop detailed drawings known as construction documents, which guide the contractor through the construction process. If you have hired an architect, he will draw the building's plans, elevations and details for you. These drawings should indicate all green building materials and methods.

3. Incorporate local and sustainable building materials and energy-efficient building systems. Materials that are harvested and manufactured near the building site consume less energy to transport. Savaged materials are also a green option, which provides these products with another life and keeps them out of the landfill. Install energy-efficient systems such as Energy Star-rated appliances, air conditioners and light fixtures so that your building conserves less energy. Also consider incorporating renewable energy systems like solar panels or a geothermal well, which harness nature's energy to prevent burning fossil fuels.

4. Practice green construction methods. Aside from choosing the right materials and systems, you should create a plan to manage construction waste and recycle as much as possible. Create a written arrangement with your contractor to specify which materials should be recycled or reused. Minimize the impact on the environment by carefully staging the construction operation.

5. Track building performance. While a green design may look good on paper and immediately after it's built, it must prove how sustainable it truly is by continuing to perform well over time. Periodically check the performance of major building systems and establish sustainable practices for the long term such as recycling programs, regular maintenance including changing furnace filters to ensure indoor air quality and annual inspections that confirm systems are functioning efficiently.

Tips & Warnings

• Register your building project with LEED or another similar program, which involves a third-party evaluation to document accountability on the part of the design team and contractor.

• Always pull applicable local building permits and follow codes to prevent fines.

References

• USGBC: US Green Building Council