Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources - energy, water, and materials - while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building's lifecycle - design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in the United States, buildings account for:

• 39% of total energy use
• 12% of total water consumption
• 68% of total electricity consumption
• 38% of carbon dioxide emissions (GHG)

Choosing a Contractor
The cheapest bid is not always the best one. Follow these procedures to discover a contractor who offers both a fair price and peace of mind.

Tips For Saving Money and Energy at Home
A Guide by the Department of Energy gives easy to implement no or low cost ways you can make your home more comfortable and more energy efficient.

Incentives & Rebates
The time has never been better and the payback so quick. Between federal tax credits, utility and state rebates, and local programs there is more money and more assistance available than ever before.

Financing 
There are different options for finding financing worth exploring including mortgages, revolving loans, and private service programs.

Elevations Bank has Loans for Boulder County and Denver Residents
https://www.elevationscu.com/energyloans/about/video

Bank of Colorado Has two financing options: The EnergyStar Mortgage and the PowerSaver Loan
http://www.bankofcolorado.com/content.aspx?accntId=808

Case Studies
See examples of what is possible in your home.

Buying & Selling a Green Home- coming soon
Be sure to use a green realtor who can help you use the new green features on MLS listings.

Green Building Rating Systems
What exactly does the green claim mean? What environmentally sound features and building techniques were used? Some buildings are far more sustainably built than others. To help you judge the validity of claims, some builders seek to meet the standards of national or local rating systems.