Green building means sustainable design. It is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials. Green building focuses on reducing building impacts on human health and the environment. Green building concepts extend beyond the walls of building and can include site planning, community, and land use issues as well.

In her article on howstuffworks.com, Becky Striepe wrote, "Green architecture is an emerging field that focuses on using low impact materials to create a completed structure that's energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Green buildings can vary from simple structures made from natural materials to more technologically focused designs that use elements like solar panels  to reduce the building's impact."

Since last year, the Green Building industry has shown significant growth - going from only 28% of the construction world in 2013 to a projected 60% for 2015!

As a member of the WNC Green Building Council and the Green Built NC Program, Grace Builders meets "green home guidelines." We practice sustainable, high performance building strategies, making your home a comfortable, healthy, and affordable place to live. We implement design concepts that reduce energy and water usage, promote renewable energy use, and help protect the land and natural resources where your home is built. Our designs have the capability of reducing pollution, as well as the waste of natural resources during the manufacturing and construction phases. Finally, the benefits of making green built decisions go on throughout the life of the home, making it a wise and profitable investment. Because of our participation in this organization as well as our focus on producing green homes, Grace Builders' Green Built homes have received Gold Ratings from the Green Built NC Program.

Click the link from the Sustainable Cities Collective website for a simple chart of the 13 Elements of a Dream Green Home!

There are many benefits to going green when building you home. Lower energy bills, reduced health risks, increased resale value, and reduced air pollution are only a few of the many. But beyond improving the world around you and saving you money, going green with your home provides you with even more incentives. Here is an article from the WNC Green Building Council regarding the refunds and other financial support you can receive for taking the green route with your housing choices. Financing for Green Building