Green Construction

Painting roofs white is an easy way to reflect heat and save costs in the summer. But even better is planting gardens on rooftops, bringing the green back to the urban jungle.

Building a green hospital helps keep the trees, the birds, the squirrels, the patients, the employees and even the hospital's bottom line healthy, too. So how do they do it?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Planning to run your house completely on solar power? It will cost you up front, but it could also pay you back big in the long run.

By Cherise Threewitt

As concern grows over the use of natural resources, many people look to major corporations to set an example for energy efficiency. Which companies make an effort to work in green environments?

By Jane McGrath

Salvaging construction materials is great for many reasons, including saving money, preserving history, using cool, old stuff and keeping waste out of landfills.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

There are many factors to weigh when considering green construction, such as cost, personal health and environmental health. Is it worth the effort to go green?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Many say the pioneer of green design was the irascible Frank Lloyd Wright, but others note that sustainable architecture has been around forever. Regardless, who are some of the leading figures in the field today?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Hospitals are some of the biggest generators of waste; so when they become more environmentally conscious, they have some of the biggest impact. What steps are hospitals taking today?

By Colleen Cancio

You may already know about solar heaters and rain barrels, but what about geothermal pumps and backyard wind turbines? Find out what's the latest in home green technology.

By Becky Striepe

Is it possible for a stream of air to behave like a door? Surprisingly, yes. This door may not block out burglars, but it can certainly fight against cold winds, flying insects and pollutants.

By Garth Sundem

When you're making home improvements or trying to buy or sell a home, eco-friendliness and energy efficiency matter. So how can an inspector help?

By Laurie L. Dove

You want to do the right thing by building green. But will you be able to insure your home without paying an arm and a leg?

By Garth Sundem

How are cities coping with population increases and construction demands? We've got 10 of the most environmentally conscious urban spaces for you to consider.

By Jeff Harder

Roads that reduce pollution. Self-repairing buildings. It may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but nanotechnology is poised to fundamentally change the way we build the world around us.

By Jacob Clifton

Green homes have been trendy for some time, but now commercial buildings are getting in on the eco-building act. From living walls to mushroom bricks, check out 10 of the raddest advances in the field.

By Shanna Freeman

You'd like to build a magnetic generator as you've heard it's just the thing to provide cheap energy for your house. Read on and learn how to build a small model magnetic generator before you progress to the bigger version.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

To be really eco-friendly, you want your roof to be cool, so you'll need one with reflective properties and the best insulation value possible. So what are some of your options when it comes to roofing materials?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

A bulky old lamp takes up a lot of space in a landfill. But if it doesn't fit your décor, you've got to do something with it. Is recycling an option? There are a few things to consider.

By Susan Batten

During the excitement of having your new mattress delivered, you might not care what happens to that old, back-pain-inducing one once it's hauled away – but you should. Although it can sometimes be a bit difficult to do, there are environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your old mattress.

By Danielle Fisher

More than 20 million mattresses fill up American landfills each year. Don't add even one more to the pile. Instead, find a more creative way to dispose of your old mattress.

By Danielle Fisher & Francisco Guzman

There are a wide variety of cabinet options available to the environmentally-conscious shopper who wants a green kitchen. You can make your cooking area stylish, highly functional and Earth-friendly … here's how.

By Susan Batten

To save money, many people are considering alternative heat sources, and wood pellet fireplaces are one possible solution to rising energy costs. But what do you need to know before you head out to buy one of these energy savers?

By Denise Harrison

When the weather turns cold, the first thing on your mind is probably warming up your home. The most common heating choices are central heating and fireplaces, including pellet fireplaces. But are pellet fireplaces the most efficient choice?

By Denise Harrison

Companies in every part of the construction industry are going green, and roofing is no exception. If you want a stylish roof that really stands out, you may want to consider clay roofing tiles. So what makes them a green choice?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

You're convinced composting works wonders for gardens. You're also aware of its role in reducing air pollution and extending the life of landfills. But as an apartment-dweller, you've dismissed it as unworkable. Is it really?

By Jodie Schneider