Land

The lay of the land is arguably the most significant variable for green new construction. We’ve offered information about many of the basic products related to this complex topic. Preserving the natural condition of the site is important. Ideally, before a design even begins, potential ways to protect and even take advantage of the site’s natural characteristics are identified.

The site has a crucial role in future performance of the building and enjoyment of occupants. Utilizing native vegetation can reduce water and pesticide use while protecting the surrounding environment. The benefits from controlling erosion during construction, harvesting rainwater and utilizing permeable surface materials, include mitigating storm-water run-off and direct energy savings for home owners, makes land preservation a critical fist step in the green building process.

Terms like Smart Growth, Sustainable Development, Regionalism and New Urbanism all refer to development and planning techniques that seek to improve our regard for the cultural, environmental, economic and social aspects of the built environment.

These are important concepts that can precede and work in conjunction with Green Building techniques to ensure a more comprehensive approach to advancing the quality of the built environment.

The products in this category are specific to those land use strategies related to residential construction. They are intended to support your ability to take advantage of existing conditions, harvest rainwater and create strategies to integrate day lighting, passive solar design, and the like.