Author(s): Anonymous
Source: Onearth
Date of Publication: January 01, 2005

Designing an environmentally friendly building involves more than installing solar panels on the roof and stocking the bathroom with recycled paper products. These days green design also means recycling rain, sink, and shower water to flush toilets; maximizing natural light and ventilation; and improving indoor air quality by using paints, glue, and upholstery that release very low levels of harmful gases such as benzene and toluene. In the spring of 2004, the U.S. Green Building Council-a group of architecture, engineering, and construction professionals; government agencies; and nonprofits-awarded NRDC's Santa Monica office its highest rating for sustainable construction, effectively making the renovated 1920s structure the greenest building in America. A lot of research went into finding the ideal construction materials, carpets, and fixtures, and now it's time to share this wealth of information. If you're looking for rainwater recycling systems, sustainable bamboo flooring, or chairs made from leftover seat belts, check out From Solar Power to Eco-Friendly Desk Chairs: A Resource Guide for the Greenest Building in the United States. Read it for free at www.nrdc.org/cities/building. Printed books cost $12.75. To order, call 310-434-2300.

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