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Green Design is the catch-all term for a growing industry trend within the fields of architecture, construction, and interior design. Also referred to as "sustainable design" or eco design", the broad principles of green design are fairly simple: choose energy efficiency wherever possible; work in harmony with the natural features and resources surrounding the project site; and use materials that are sustainably grown or recycled rather than new materials from non-renewable resources.

Building materials may be sought within a 500-mile radius of the building site to minimize the use of fuel for transportation. The building itself may be oriented a particular direction to take advantage of naturally occuring features such as wind direction and angle of the sun. When possible, building materials may be gleaned from the site itself; for example, if a new structure is being constructed in a wooded area, wood from the trees which were cut to make room for the building would be re-used as part of the building itself. Taking advantage of available natural light reduces dependence on artificial (energy using) light sources. Well-insulated windows, doors, and walls help reduce energy loss, thereby reducing energy usage.

Low impact building materials are used wherever feasible: for example, insulation may be made from low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emitting materials such as recycled denim, rather than the fiberglass insulation which is dangerous to breathe. Organic or milk based paints may be used.

External Links

• http://www.greenerbuildings.com/

• http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/

• http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEED_main.asp

• http://www.sustainabledesignguide.umn.edu/MSDG/guide2.html

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