Green building, also called sustainable design, promotes environmentally responsible and efficient building practices that create healthy and comfortable places to live and work. There are five common sustainable design principles that are incorporated into sustainable building practices. These design principles include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most effective way to incorporate these sustainable design principles is by utilizing a whole building approach. This means designing, understanding, and integrating all factors of a building to work together for optimal efficiency. Steps to making a building more sustainable and efficient include: optimizing the building’s site potential; optimizing the floor plan potential; protecting and conserving water; utilizing energy efficient strategies; incorporating renewable energy sources; using environmentally preferable products; enhancing indoor air and environmental quality; and optimizing operational and maintenance practices.

 

 

Sustainable design tips for homeowners, designers, and contractors are provided below. These tips include design suggestions and strategies for incorporating sustainable design principles into home renovations and future building projects.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Additional Green Resources page includes information about funding opportunities, tax incentives, and national, state, and local green resources.

 

 

Disclaimer: These design tips are guidance materials to aid homeowners, designers, and contractors that choose to incorporate sustainable design principles into their projects. For homeowners: while many of these tips may be do-it-yourself projects, you may need a contractor for others. For all projects: permits and inspections may be required depending on the degree and scope of the project. All projects are required to meet all applicable North Carolina State Building Codes and New Hanover County ordinances. All products must be third-party verified in the United States and must meet North Carolina code requirements. For more information, and to determine if a project requires permits or inspections, please call the Inspections Division.

 

Building & Plan Review: (910) 798-7450