Techniques For Green Buildings

as far as housing units are concerned i can list a few points.

1. the gaps between the windows and walls are to be sealed. because this is the way the conditioned air leaves the building and puts more load on the air conditioners.
2. the same applies to the gap under doors. Sealing up the air leaks and insulating the attic can save up to 20% on your home heating & cooling bills.
3. having a cool roof ( coated with asphalt shingles or tiles, etc. ) or a roof garden will cool the interior.
4. Strategically placing windows and skylights can eliminate the need for electrical lighting during the day
5. High quality insulation reduces temperature regulation costs in both summer and winter.
6. Passive solar building design is often implemented in the low energy houses. Solar water heater can further reduce energy loads.
7. on-site solutions such as compost bins to handle the waste generated by the inhabitants
8. use products that have less or no formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and other potentially harmful chemicals, that are much healthier
9. using packed gravel or permeable concrete instead of conventional concrete or asphalt for the pathways to enhance replenishment of ground water, can be used as well.
10. Insulation under floor to prevent radiant heat from dissipating into the ground and heating the interiors.
11. prevent heat ingress by using high performance double glazed glass.
12. use skylights and orient the building such that the rooms get evenly distributed sunlight.

these are the points as far as our buildings are concerned. 😀

-CP

also the walls can be insulated using hollow walls or insulating materials. this will prevent heat from escaping from building or entering into building.