Also referred to as "green" or "environmentally-sound" building, sustainable building is essentially the use of design and construction methods and materials that are resource efficient and that will not compromise the health of the environment or the associated health and well-being of the building's occupants, builders, the general public, or future generations.  Sustainable design and construction decisions take into account the relationship between the health of our built environments, the health of our natural environment, and our own health. Such decisions are based on a wide range of considerations, including:

1. Land Use Context (Site Selection)

siting new developments near public transportation and existing infrastructure, and away from sensitive habitats and floodplains

2. Land Impacts (Site Planning)

preserving and reusing topsoil; preventing erosion and flooding; protecting water (quality) and conserving water (quantity), e.g., by minimizing impervious surfaces and by preserving trees on site

3. Energy and Water Use

capturing solar or other renewable sources of energy; using energy-efficient and water-saving fixtures, equipment, and design strategies

4. Materials / Solid Waste

reducing material use; reusing and recycling construction and demolition debris; using materials with recycled content and with lower-impact manufacturing methods and by-products

5. Occupant Health and Well-Being