The hundreds of methods that make construction more environmentally friendly can be summed up in six major categories.
1. Energy efficiency: Structures built with green methods require less energy during construction and during occupation. Layout adjustments insulation amounts, land siting and alignment and even the color of the exterior materialscan all improve energy efficiency.
2. Reduction of waste: With better planning, constructing a new structure can generate practically no wasted materials at all.
3. Low-impact building materials: On-site waste reduction directives matched with the use of building materials that produce less waste during manufacturing significantly reduces the impact of construction. Not all of these low-impact building materials are new and unfamiliar; many are the same standard materials (such as dimensional lumber for framing) simply manufactured to tighter standards.
4. Indoor air quality: Careful material selection does more than just reduce waste and improve the profit margins on a project. Interior finishing materials that release little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) result in healthier environments for their residents.
5. Site impact: Placement of a structure on the site can be optimised to take advantage of natural light and passive heating and cooling opportunities to reduce energy use. Proper placement and preparation of the raw land also reduces the chances of erosion, water damage to the foundation and many related problems. Careful siting that saves existing trees doesn’t just enrich the local environment, it can also keep the building cooler thanks to shading.
6. Water use: Minimising water waste and controlling excess water outside the building can be achieved with green construction techniques. Buildings use 14% of all potable water consumed globally, but a few small adjustments can make a big difference in saving safe drinking water for more important uses than flushing and washing
