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The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from nature's extremes, yet they also affect our health and environment in countless ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, a new field called "green building" is gaining momentum.
Green, or sustainable, building is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. Read more about green building or use these links to explore topics:
News and Events
Funding opportunity: The US Environmental Protection Agency's National Center for Environmental Research announces the Phase 1 Program Solicitation for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). EPA's SBIR Program supports the development of commercializable technologies that help the EPA meet its mission of protecting human health and the environment. This solicitation includes a call for research on building materials; technologies, tools, & practices for enhancing building energy efficiency; reducing exposure to indoor chemical pollutants; and eliminating stormwater runoff and maximizing the use of stormwater and rainwater (see section VII.C.). It closes at noon May 3, 2012. See the factsheet (PDF) (1 pg, 60K, About PDF)
Water Efficiency
Environmentally Preferable Building Materials and Specifications
Waste Reduction
Toxics Reduction
Indoor Air Quality
Smart Growth and Sustainable Development