Compared to a conventional house, a green house uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and provides a healthier environment for the people living there. A green home incorporates smart design, technology, construction and maintenance elements to lessen significantly the negative impact of the home on the environment and the health of the occupants and their neighbors. It also saves resources and money.
The U.S. Greenwich Building Council provides the following green home Guidelines:
New green homes and neighborhoods must not be built on environmentally sensitive sites like prime farmland, wetlands and endangered species habitats. Close proximity to public transportation–like bus lines and light rail that allows one to leave the car a home is a quality of green living. A green home would also be in close proximity to parks, schools and stores. In Greenwich there are many areas that would allow for this type of green living lifestyle.