Green Building
Green building is a "Whole-Systems" approach for designing and constructing buildings that conserve energy, water, and material resources and are healthier, safer, and more comfortable.
In practical terms, green building includes:
- Using sun and wind to the building's advantage for natural heating, cooling, and day lighting;
- Landscaping with native plants and using water efficiently;
- Building quality, durable structures;
- Insulating well and ventilating appropriately;
- Incorporating salvaged, recycled, and sustainably harvested materials;
- Maintaining healthy indoor air quality with appropriate building techniques and materials;
- Using energy-efficient and water-saving appliances and fixtures; and
- Reducing and recycling construction waste.
Green Building Resources
The links below direct you to useful sites that incorporate green building practices when processing or constructing development projects, information on state-mandated and federal standards/regulations, and other regulatory green tools.
Build It Green
- Continuing education and networking for public agencies, non-profits, and building professionals.
- Listing of certified green architects and building contractors.
- Materials Database: extensive listing of green products, materials, and technologies available in the Bay Area.
- Fact sheets, referrals, case studies, events listings, green building links, and in-depth information on green building materials and strategies.
- Green Home Tours, workshops, and presentations.
Green Halo Systems
- Free web-based service for waste diversion and recycling tracking.
- Establish, monitor, and document their waste management plan and compliance online.
- Tracks construction and demolition debris diversion rate from the landfill and carbon footprint savings.
United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
- Extensive collection of green building resources: market research, publications, presentations, and links to additional resources
- LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Rating System information: case studies, training, certification, workshops
MCE Clean Energy
- Explore an alternative electricity source that is currently available to residents of Danville.
- Information about energy choices, rates, energy savings, solar & electric vehicles, energy sources, meetings, and events.
- Learn more about types of energy efficient products and strategies for buildings and plants from Energy Star.
Water Wiser
- Targeted to water conservation professionals, but freely accessible to the general public.
- Links to Water Saver Home - a virtual encyclopedia of water saving tips for indoor and outdoor uses.
EPA Water Efficiency Program
- Extensive info and resources on how to use water more efficiently.
- Applicable to all water users from homeowners to governments.
EPA Indoor Air Quality
- Extensive info and resources on indoor air quality.
- Indoor Air Quality information: hotline to help locate the appropriate information, 800-438-4318.
- For Consumers: information on Indoor Air Quality concerns and tip sheets to help identify and reduce pollutants in the home. For Builders: guidelines and Registered House Builder training for building homes with better Indoor Air Quality.