'Green' Building

"Green" building projects often incorporate solar panels into rooftops. (Istockphoto)

· A style of construction that takes into account the environmental impact of a project, in addition to budgetary and aesthetic considerations. It can be used for single-family and multifamily homes, as well as commercial buildings.

· A method of building that relies on materials that are perceived as safer for the occupants of a home as well as the community. Such materials include low-volatility paints.

· A construction strategy using sustainable materials or materials easy to recycle. Common choices include bamboo flooring, carpet made of wool or recycled plastics, and reclaimed wood from demolished houses.

· A type of building that meets the criteria set by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's Green Building Rating System. Those voluntary standards, set by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council, evaluate properties on how well they reduce waste going into landfills, energy and water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. There are four levels of LEED certification: certified, silver, gold and platinum.

· An increasingly popular goal in new construction and remodeling, according to surveys by the National Association of Home Builders.

· A style of building that adds about 3 to 5 percent to the cost of building an entry-level home, according to U.S. Green Building Council.

· A expense that an be recouped over the life of the home through lower utility bills. On average, LEED-certified homes are 30 to 50 percent more energy-efficient than conventional ones.