Lane County guide to green building: working draft

Abstract

The Green Building Initiative operated by the City of Portland, Oregon, defines green building as "innovative building and site design techniques that improve the quality and performance of buildings while simultaneously reducing stress on the environment." Green building utilizes a wide set of design standards, building techniques, and alternative materials that provide for energy and water efficiency, low toxicity, increased livability, and decreased waste production. Green building practices not only preserve the environment, they provide quality comfortable living, and long-term cost savings.