Green building isn't merely a catchphrase; it implies a vital planet-preserving future for the commercial and residential building and construction industries. Architects and builders are aggressively pursuing advanced technologies based on sustainable design principles. Such tenets employ energy conservation, eco-friendly materials choices, and extensive reuse and recycling practices to create environmentally responsible buildings that are more productive, healthier, and profitable places to live and work (Figure 1). Advanced green design and building technologies are proving highly effective in lowering construction costs and reducing operating expenses. According to the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation, buildings drain a staggering 39 percent of our nation's total energy, while all transportation including cars consumes 27 percent. Green buildings are rapidly gaining in awareness and acceptance, as the global community develops alternative energy sources and intensifies its efforts to stem global warming.
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