Residential Construction
Acknowledgements
August 4, 2015

The Peaks to Prairies Pollution Prevention Information Center extends a special thanks to all contributors and reviewers who helped make this product a technically accurate and credible resource.

The hub was developed largely through the research and work of Peaks …

Residential Construction
Codes and Standards
August 4, 2015

Building codes assure that safe construction practices are used when constructing or renovating a building. Modern codes address environmental concerns such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water efficiency.

While these codes have been adopted in some locales, many …

Residential Construction
Solid and Hazardous Waste
August 4, 2015

It is becoming more difficult and expensive to dispose of both hazardous and non-hazardous construction and demolition (C&D) waste because of stricter environmental regulations and a shortage of landfill space. Non-hazardous C&D waste typically consists of concrete, insulation, bricks, asphalt, …

Residential Construction
Indoor Air Quality
August 4, 2015

Green building is resource efficient, contributes to a healthy environment, and provides a healthy home for occupants. According to the EPA, most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Home design includes many amenities people feel they need …

Residential Construction
Water Use
August 4, 2015

Water can be heavily impacted by residential construction. Site clearing and grading often cause erosion and polluted runoff. Urban and suburban development decreases the percentage of permeable surfaces, reducing the ability of the land to absorb and filter incoming rain …

Residential Construction
Energy
August 4, 2015

Energy efficient design and construction can substantially reduce costs and pollution because nonrenewable energy sources of energy are expensive, potentially unstable, and create toxic wastes through their development and combustion. The long-term costs of energy to the homeowner are large, …

Residential Construction
Green Products
August 4, 2015

Green products are an essential component of green design. However, defining what is green is not an exact science. Products require assessment in terms of their entire life-cycle — from raw materials used in manufacture through processing, transport, installation, use, …

Residential Construction
Affordability
August 4, 2015

Resource-efficient constructionor, also known as green building,is about the efficient use of resources, so that we meet our needs in ways that allow future generations to meet theirs. The goals of resource-efficient construction aim at decreased long-term and lifecycle costs …

Residential Construction
Green Design
August 4, 2015

Designing a resource-efficient home is an integrative process. It involves site selection and evaluation, building design, construction, operation, maintenance, and deconstruction. All parties including contractors, architects, landscape designers, owners, engineers, government agencies, suppliers, and utility companies should be involved in …