Green Construction

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

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

Are geothermal heating and cooling systems really better for the environment? If so, which system uses less energy and can actually save you money?

By John Perritano

If you read any home design magazines or Web sites, you know that the biggest projects are often in the kitchen. These days, homeowners are more interested in incorporating green living into this area, and they often start with the countertops.

By Kim Williamson & Chris Opfer

It's a shame to go to the trouble of researching and buying the most environmentally friendly countertops, only to have them installed with a sealant or mortar that is going to negate all of your good intentions. So is it possible to find a mortar or sealant that is green, as well?

By Kim Williamson

Whether or not you go through the process of getting certified, following LEED guidelines as you build a new home or renovate an existing property can mean significant energy and money savings. But is it worth the extra upfront costs?

By Christie Mattheson

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

One of the best places to get guidance on building an eco-friendly home is the U.S. Green Building Council's for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Better known as LEED, it's designed to help you create a greener place to live.

By Christie Mattheson

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

Low-VOC, zero-VOC and natural paints have been a buzzed-about innovation in home improvement and green building for about a decade. But can you get low-VOC paint for your home's exterior?

By Jacob Clifton

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 foamed cement used instead of fiberglass or other insulation to keep your house toasty warm in the winter and relatively cool in summer. But what are some other interesting facts about this product?

By Garth Sundem

If your kitchen countertops always look like you just cooked a Thanksgiving feast no matter how hard you try to clean them, then it's probably time to replace them. But with so many eco-friendly options available, which one is actually the greenest?

By Sarah Alban

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

Finding the right eco-friendly architect for your project takes research and patience. But it will be worth your time in the end. But where do you even begin?

By Terri Briseno

Green demolition is dismantling a building in such a way that its elements are reused or recycled instead of ending up in landfills. Find out what green demolition is in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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

Construction on residential homes and commercial buildings can vary greatly. See how LEED takes those major differences into account in it eco-friendly certification program.

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

Many of the green design features that modern homebuilders use to improve new homes' efficiency have their roots in very old design and construction techniques. What are some of most historic green homes?

By Matt Cunningham

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

Construction nails are most often made of steel, which contains rust-prone iron. You can make a nail more resistant to rust by treating it, or dipping it. But why would you want to double dip your nails?

By Denise Harrison