1) Choose the right size!

Choose the right size of building or homes depending on the number of people. A house that is too large is likely to cost more to heat and cool. Try to keep the place manageable and cost effective.

2) Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation plays an important role for a green building. A building with natural ventilation takes full advantages of prevailing breezes. This could save the usage of air conditioners and electricity in the long run.  Leave a place for windows on a room whenever possible. Use ceiling fans to move air and consider a ?whole house? fan as well.

3) Rain water harvesting

Water is very important to our daily life, However, There are still large amount of population in the world lacks access to clean water. Why not let?s save the water by harvesting the rain water for the usage of gardening, flushing toilet and so on.

4) Natural day lighting

Choose right material or design the building which allows the natural lighting to penetrate into the building. This could greatly reduce the usage of electricity. For example, ones can install glass on roof to allow light to penetrate through it.

5) Use Sustainable Materials

Sustainable building materials can reduce the impact of your construction on the environment. Wood is a renewable resource when you choose a supplier who follows sustainable planting practices. Moreover, choosing the right paint, material of furniture also contributes to the environment.

6)Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Reduce, reuse and recycle! Why not put a recycle bin to collect all the recyclables on your homes, office, and so on? Reuse by getting organized and removing the clutter – simplify your life. You may also consider reusing building materials (wood floors, doors, etc) if your house are in construction period.

7) Energy saving appliances.

Even though the energy appliances with energy star label might have higher initial cost, however, it could save bulks on your bills in the long run. Purchase ENERGY STAR? labeled products such as light bulbs, refrigerators, dishwasher, etc.

8) go solar!

The sun is the ultimate source of clean, low-cost energy. By making solar power native technology in your new home, you can take advantage of light and geography to get the most efficiency and energy not only for your own usage but also for investment. Solar power can generate enough energy for you to start selling some back to your utility company. If that isn?t incentive enough, there also are grants and other government incentives that encourage the usage of solar energy.

9) Landscape

Plant native trees and shrubs for shading, cooling, oxygen, wind protection, noise reduction, and privacy. These practices will also reduce your need for fertilizers and pesticides that can harm your family and pets, and our waterways .Make sure landscaping has plenty of topsoil and organic mulch.

 

 references

http://blog.lotnetwork.com/10-top-green-home-building-ideas/

http://frontierassoc.net/greenaffordablehousing/FactSheets/GAHCfactsheets/12-GreenIdeas.pdf