Green building design concept is a term commonly used to refer to the different aspects of creating structures using eco-friendly building materials and methods. The concepts equally encompass the idea of making sure that all the buildings erected are energy efficient and go on to interact favorably with the ecological system compared to any other option of building used today. Generally, there are 3 key areas that ought to be addressed for a truly green environment to be achieved.

First of all is selection of building materials. It is always good to go for building materials that are thought to be sustainable if a green environment has to be achieved. For example, when recycled building materials are used to build the interior and exterior walls, the materials will not end up as waste in the landfills, consequently conserving the environment. Similarly, re-using materials got from structures that are scheduled for demolition can equally meet this need. Straw bales are another great example of renewable building materials that can be used to build the walls of a building and contribute to a truly green environment.

Whenever it is possible, every green building should be constructed using local materials. The benefit of this is two-way – it will ensure that the materials blend with the local environment perfectly and secondly, it will reduce the use of fossil fuels to transport building materials to the construction site.

The other key aspect that has to be addressed in order to achieve a truly green environment is making the building as energy efficient as possible. This will often include looking for alternatives to maximize the use of natural lighting and purchasing energy efficient appliances to reduce reliance on other sources of energy. For example, it can mean installing power sources like wind energy generation and solar panel devices. Using water efficiently should also addressed. Some other things like color selection in the home should also come into effect as a way of highlighting the green facets of the energy saving measures.

The third key aspect for a truly green environment to be achieved is landscaping. The same way the building will efficiently use reclaimed or recycled materials, the landscape should equally do the same. All paving on the compound should be done using recycled building materials and products and the choice of plants to be planted should be those that can survive with little water and no use of chemical-based pesticides. All outdoor furnishings should be made using reclaimed or all-natural materials hence reducing the need to decorate the furnishings from previous resources that were not used.

Basically, a truly green environment is one who’s the structures in it and the methods used to erect the structures, as well as the surrounding terrain cause very little impact on the ecology. Achieving a green environment is not limited to any building styles, as long as the materials are sustainable by nature. For instance, a green building can be constructed slanting partially by the hillside so that it can maximize the insulation and at the same time allow the structure to blend perfectly with the environment.