green building...

Green buildings are buildings that are designed to use less energy and resources, and to provide a healthy environment for the people who live and work in them. For a new building, owners, architects, designers, and contractors can work together on:

• energy-efficient, resource-efficient design

• maximum recycling of construction waste

• interior design for healthy interior air quality and environment.

For green building information, here are some local and national sources of information:

• Built Green Santa Barbara has materials and checklists from the Santa Barbara Contractors Association Education Foundation. To download a home remodeling checklist (PDF file) click here. 

• The Sustainability Project has Green Building Guidelines and information on community events, including the annual Parade of Green Building.

• Green Building Alliance, (805) 654-4169, or via email

• Santa Barbara County Innovative Building Design Review Committee

• The new UCSB Bren School Building is a Green Building

• The Ecological Design Institute

Green choices can be made at any time in the life of a building (or for a remodel). Here are some links for information on some of these choices.

• Saving energy at work (Department of Energy Site)

• California Integrated Waste Management Board Green Building Page

• Additional energy links at: American Council for Energy Efficient Economy