We found this amazing article written by Jessica for freshome.com to be an awesome resource for green buildig tips! 

When building a green home one chooses to do so to reduce the harmful impact on the environment. Careful thought and consideration must be placed on every aspect of this home design, from the roof to the foundation to everything in between – electrical work, air quality, and affordability. It is important to lessen one’s footprint and not to disrupt the existing ecosystem. With all the knowledge and resources available to us today there really is no excuse for not being environmentally conscientious.

1. Don’t build more than you need

You don’t want to build too much house, instead, you want your home to fit “just right.” A house that is too large will likely contain wasted space, unused space and cost more to run, heat and cool. When planning your home take careful consideration to your lifestyle. By the same token, do take time think ahead. If you plan on expanding your family or taking in elderly relatives, you will want to plan ahead and put the proper accommodations and resources into place.

2. Don’t not think ahead

Will you be living in your home in 10, 20 or 30 years? Think ahead to what your needs may be down the road. As the population ages we should take careful consideration to what our future needs and lifestyle and prepare for such. (For more information on this read my article, What Empty Nesters are Looking for When They Downsize.)

3. Building on the wrong plot

It’s crucial to find the right lot size and location. As wonderful as it sounds to have a lovely country home in the bucolic countryside, off the beaten path, do consider building in or near town. Building on a new site can damage a peaceful ecosystem. It can disrupt the lives and dens of local wildlife and eliminate them altogether in order to bring additional lines, utilities and roads where they don’t currently exist.

4. Not going solar

No matter where you live you should build your home so that you have unobstructed solar access from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. When building your home it should always have a southern exposure. By placing the front of the home due south, you will automatically lower your energy costs by 10%.   Situate your home so that it is facing due south, placing the majority of the windows on the southern side, and placing overhangs or awnings to shield the sun’s hot summer rays. Use materials that will absorb and radiate the sun’s heat. One should also note that it would not be wise to have a glass wall facing due south  as this will have the complete opposite effect! Plant trees near your home to offer natural shade on southern sides and take advantage of skylights (with shades) to maximize the sun’s energy.

5. Not doing your research

With all the information so readily available to us, there’s no excuse not to educate yourself as best as you can to learn about all your green building options. There is no reason, today, not to use environmentally responsible products. There are plenty of options available at every price point. When building your home you should be using toxic-free, sustainable, recycled and low voc products. Everything from the roof to the foundation, from the lighting to the floor, from insulation to paint can all be environmentally sound.
To read the rest of these great tips head to Freshome.com