What is green?
	Green building is incorporating environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the home building and land development process to minimize environmental impact. Simply put, green building is good building—and it’s not that different from what builders are already doing. It means making intentional decisions that affect the following areas of the design and construction process:
	Energy efficiency improvements, such as high levels of insulation, efficient HVAC systems, high-performance windows and energy efficient appliances or lighting
	Water conservation measures, such as water-efficient appliances, water conserving fixtures, water filtration systems, and water-efficient or low maintenance landscaping
	Resource conservation techniques, such as using high-performance engineered wood, wood alternatives, allergen-free materials, recycled building materials, sustainably harvested lumber and more durable products
	Indoor environmental quality considerations, such as effective HVAC equipment, use of formaldehyde-free finishes, and use of products with minimum off-gassing or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
	Site design techniques, like minimizing disruption and preserving open space
	Home owner education through green orientations, and manuals or operating guides