Architects and engineers of the United States Green Building Council have designed a standard called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) that rates building on how "green" a building has been designed.  However, if it is not used then the rating system has failed to make an impact on the environment.  In prior generation this may have been the case, but with high prices of energy, and growing concern about global warming, todays society is open the idea of building green buildings and even cities.  With some careful thought and planning, even the small building project such as a home can be built that creates less impact on the environment.  In order to build a "green" home there are a couple of areas about the house that the future homeowner should consider.

The first thing that needs to be considered is the impact of construction on the land.  For example things such as over-flow water direction, cutting down trees, and damaging animal habitats have to be taken into consideration.  The less disruption to the natural environment of a home site the less environmental impact and it also earns points in the LEED certification process. 

Next, a home should be placed so that it takes advantage of the sun.  With careful planning a home can become more energy efficient by taking advantage of the suns rays to warm and heat a home.   Additionally, if solar panels are part of the construction of a home it will allow homes to reduce and even eliminate the need for power from traditional power companies that produce electricity through coal or nuclear power to produce electricity.

Finally, by using energy efficient house components such as energy efficient glass, and lighting the "greener" a building becomes because it requires less energy to run.  By using windows that are made out of low-e or energy star rated glass can reduce the energy need to heat and cool homes.  Additionally, by using long lasting lighting such as LED (low emitting diode) significantly reduces the amount of electricity.  By making wise decisions homeowners can make homes that are environmentally friendly and money saving.