Live Elegantly, Design Sustainably (green is not just for hippies any more!)
Myth #5 Green building may work in California but it won't work here, or it's just a fad for hippies
California certainly is one of the pioneers in green building, but it certainly is not the only place it is being used. Green building is very popular in Europe where it has been quite successfully implemented. Once considered a fad of the 70's, green building is fast becoming mainstream with the help of numerous organizations dedicated to the environment and human health.
New certification standards through LEED and others are helping to define what green building means and inspiring traditional architects, builders and designers to join the bandwagon. The US government which is the largest builder in the US (40% of all building) is also very instrumental in promoting green building through design, products and strategies. However, high utility bills and lawsuits from tenants and homeowners who complain of sick building syndrome may be two of the biggest prime movers forcing the construction industry into compliance with green building standards.
Although green building is a market driven by consumers, it's coming of age through the acceptance of architects, designers and builders; world-wide use; extensive media coverage via the internet, TV, magazines, national and international trade shows; a greater diversity of products that solve health and energy related problems; and a raging entrepreneurial spirit to develop the most efficient and sustainable products on the planet.
In short, green building costs no more than conventional building, saves resources, improves health, works in all climates, benefits everyone and the environment and will necessarily become the primary means to sustainability in the future.














