Green building is when you build with environmentally sustainable building materials and practices. Green building materials include rapidly renewable plant materials such as bamboo and straw, lumber from forests certified to be sustainably managed, recycled metal, ecology blocks, dimension stone, recycled stone, and other products that are reusable, non-toxic, renewable, and/or recyclable.

Other materials often considered  green include linoleum, wool, panels made from paper flakes, vermiculite, compressed earth block, adobe, baked earth, rammed earth, clay, flax linen, hemp, sisal, seagrass, coconut, cork, expanded clay grains, wood fiber, sand stone, and some forms of concrete (including self-healing concrete).  Green building helps people and the planet in many different ways. We can divide the benefits of green building into four categories: health benefits, environmental benefits, social benefits, and monetary benefits (or bottom line benefits).

Health Benefits of Green Building

Building with non-toxic materials reduces the risks of disease and illnesses normally associated with the construction of traditional buildings: and the health risks associated with living in such structures. Carpeting adhesives, paint, and other modern construction materials can produce gasses that are harmful to humans and animals.  Some central heating and cooling systems can trap these harmful emissions, and other systems may actually release chemicals into the air. Doing away with asbestos, lead-based paint, radon gas, and other such culprits goes a long way towards extending the healthy lifespan of residents and construction workers alike.

Environmental Benefits of Green Building

The way electricity is produced and distributed is one of the main causes of air pollution and harmful greenhouse gas emissions.  Much electricity in the U.S., for example, is produced by coal-fired power plants. Residing in a green dwelling can reduce your impact on the environment by up to 60% according to Building Environmental Science & Technology.

Social Benefits of Green Building

Because most of the raw materials that wealthy countries use come from smaller developing countries, the diplomatic relationships between first-world nations and the rest of the world have been terribly strained. Demonstrating a renewed commitment to sustainable living for all people, everywhere on earth goes a long way to mend these burning bridges.

Bottom-Line Benefits of Green Building (money and finances)

Initial design and construction costs are only the first part of a building project’s costs. It is also important to consider  operating, maintenance, repair, and replacement costs; as well as social and environmental costs (such as infrastructure, transportation, outside air emissions) and even employee productivity costs. Building green may cost more money in the short run, but those up-front costs more than make up for themselves in long-term savings.