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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compared to standard heating and air systems, going green is better for the environment -- and your wallet because they use less energy. So what kind of green HVAC systems are on the market today? Read on to find out.

By John Perritano

Does living in a house with no cold drafts, no temperature variations, and, virtually no heating or cooling bills sound too good to be true? Well it's possible in a passive house. See what some of the other benefits of this building standard are.

By Beth Brindle

In a passive house, winter woes (or summer highs) are a thing of the past. Why? Because they're built to maintain comfortable indoor conditions without a conventional furnace, boiler or HVAC system. Read on to see how.

By Beth Brindle

Clean energy technology is more advanced than ever before and can be as beneficial for your wallet as it is for the Earth. But what exactly is green construction technology?

By Wesley Fenlon

Green homes have come a long way from the prototypes (and stereotypes) of the early days. Now you can find eco-friendly architecture that is as attractive as it is comfortable.

By Terri Briseno

Air Krete is a cement-based insulation product whose primary component is magnesium oxide. But what makes Air Krete different from other types of insulation?

By Garth Sundem

You're building a new home and want to make it supremely green. Consider the LEED rating system as your guide to building an ultimately eco-friendly abode.

By Matt Sailor

Hemp as a building material might seem like a fairy tale, but it's not. One of the most common uses of industrial hemp is actually insulation, and it can help cut down your energy bills. So why is hemp so prohibitively expensive in the United States?

By John Perritano

Homeowners are now beginning to discover the color of home insulation isn't just pink. It can also be green -- as in eco-friendly. But does it cost an arm and a leg?

By John Perritano

Some homeowners are opting for eco-friendly tools to lower their electricity usage and stop stressing the power grid. Others vow to cut down on oil and gas. So what are some of the best green tools on the market?

By Denise Harrison

As housing prices rise and people become more concerned about their environmental footprints, green construction has been gaining popularity. So what are some unique, eco-friendly alternative housing ideas?

By Becky Striepe