Green Building |US EPA

The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from nature's extremes, yet they also affect our health and environment in countless ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, a new field called "green building" is gaining momentum.

Green, or sustainable, building is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. Read more about green building or use these links to explore topics:

Basic Information

Why Build Green?

Components of Green Building

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Water Efficiency
Environmentally Preferable Building Materials and Specifications
Waste Reduction
Toxics Reduction
Indoor Air Quality
Smart Growth and Sustainable Development

Building Types

Homes
Schools
Commercial Buildings
Laboratories
Healthcare Facilities

Funding Opportunities

National Programs
State & Local Programs

Green Building Awards

Lifecycle Building Challenge

Frequent Questions

Additional Resources