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With the increasingly popular idea of saving the environment and going green, there are a lot of products and processes that can be used to ensure that the environment is protected. One process is called green building, also referred to as sustainable architecture. Throughout a building’s life-cycle, this type of building is a process of being environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. From siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction; all creations and processes involved in a building are completely environmentally friendly. Buildings created as green still meet the desired expectations of normal construction. They still address comfort, economy, durability, and utility. Green buildings are produced to complement the surrounding natural environment and human health.

The first step in building, the siting to design process, is one of the most important parts of sustainable architecture. This is where the builders decide where they should place a building in order to least affect the environment and human health in an area. It is also the stage in which builders decide what type of construction to use on a green building. They can decide to utilize the natural sunlight prominent in an area by using passive solar, active solar, or photovoltaic techniques. In this stage, they can also decide to use permeable concrete or packed gravel as opposed to conventional gravel or concrete in order to enhance replenishment of ground water. In fact, builders even consider the transportation that will be used after a building is completed. In this, they consider public transportation systems, carpool accessibility, and bicycle paths in order to cut down on pollution caused by multiple vehicles being used.

Energy efficiency is always considered when building an environmentally friendly building. Solar water heating is often used in green building. High-efficiency insulation and windows are used to reduce heating and air conditioning costs, and passive solar building design is often used as well. Water efficiency is also considered when constructing a building in sustainable architecture. Using water that is collected, cleaned, and renewed on site is the best way to be water efficient. Dual plumbing is a way to accomplish this. Material efficiency, indoor environmental quality enhancement, waste reduction, and operations and maintenance optimization are all factors of sustainable architecture as well.