what is green building?

some buildings have photovoltaics on their roofs and are called green.

some buildings that surpass our (modest) minimum energy standards are called green.

others are made of only natural materials and are called green.

we'd like to clarify...

the word green is ubiquitous.  we want to ensure our built environment has a low ecological footprint, that it incorporates the natural environment, that it is socially favourable and aesthetically pleasing.

a sustainable building will include a mix of any of the following:

• low-energy intensity
• BIV (building integrated vegetaion - ie. green roofs and walls)
  
• BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics)
• solar hot water
• wind power
  
• geothermal heating
• combined heat and power (CHP)
• water conservation
• rainwater harvesting
  
• air tightness
  
• natural ventilation
• appropriate levels of insulation
• pervious and permeable pavements
• material reuse and recycling