Sustainability Tips

This month’s Sustainability Tips come from the Environmental Building News, a leading newsletter on environmentally responsible design and construction.  www.buildinggreen.com

EBN’s Priority List for Sustainable Building:

#1. Save Energy – Design and build energy-efficient buildings.

#2. Recycle Buildings – Utilize existing buildings and infrastructure instead of developing open space.

#3. Create Community – Design communities to reduce dependence on the automobile and to foster a sense of community.

#4. Reduce Material Use – Optimize design to make use of smaller spaces and utilize materials efficiently.

#5. Protect and Enhance the Site – Preserve or restore local ecosystems and biodiversity.

#6. Select Low-Impact Materials – Specify low-environmental impact, resource-efficient materials.

#7. Maximize Longevity – Design for durability and adaptability.

#8. Save Water – Design buildings and landscapes that are water-efficient.

#9. Make the Building Healthy – Provide a safe and comfortable indoor environment.

#10. Minimize C&D Waste – Reduce, return, reuse, and recycle job-site waste.