Top 10 Tips for Greater Environmental Sustainability Building of Homes


  1. Consider home orientation to access sunlight
  2. Choose north-facing rooms for living areas
  3. Select the right type and amount of glazing for windows to improve energy efficiency
  4. Consider internal design such as locating windows opposite one another so a clear pathway for cool breezes allows for faster cooling in summer
  5. Insulate walls, ceilings and exposed floors
  6. Install compact fluorescent lights
  7. Seal gaps and cracks around your home and weather strip windows and doors
  8. Ensure your home's exhaust fans, incandescent down lights and skylights are sealable
  9. Install water-saving showerheads, taps and fittings
  10. Consider a rainwater tank for your home and going solar when you replace your hot water system.

Source: AAP NewsWire




Green Questions to Consider

  1. Does the site plan work with the landscape to minimize earthwork?

  2. Will the site be investigated for documentation of wetlands and endangered species?

  3. Is the structure sited to place entrances away from high wind areas?

  4. If the building is sited near a roadway or other structures that may increase external noises, can topsoil left from site excavation be used to create a protective berm?

  5. Can the site utilize a gravity sewer system as opposed to a pump system?

  6. Will the block or bricks used in the foundation be regionally produced?

  7. Will structural insulated panels be used for walls or roofs?

  8. Will insulation contain a minimum of 25% recycled content?

  9. Reinforced foam-formed walls containing cement with waste fly ash be incorporated into the structure?

  10. Will the sub-floor and underlayment be constructed with recycled-content materials?

  11. For carpeted areas, will recycled-content carpet pad and carpeting be used and will it be tacked rather than glued?

  12. Will natural linoleum be used in place of petroleum-based vinyl flooring?

  13. Does design avoid placement of carpet near main entrances?
Many of the ideas in this checklist were adapted from "Build for the Future” - a publication of the Colorado Pollution Prevention Program.