How does one build in a Sustainable manner, in harmony with Nature? What can one do differently to design and build a home or office that is healthier to live and work in, that uses energy more efficiently, that uses materials that are gentler on the environment? How does one build this way in a cost effective, common sense manner?   Green, Ecological or Sustainable Architecture   What is it? How is it done?   The words "Green", "Ecological" and "Sustainable" are terms used by environmentalists to indicate modes of practice. From global economics to household features these practices minimize our impact on the environment and produce healthier living places. A deeper meaning of these terms involves what we can do to heal, augment and regenerate the Earth's ability to bear Life.   In Architecture there are many ways a building may be "green" and respond to the growing environmental problems of our planet. This can be done while still maintaining efficiency, beauty, layouts and cost effectiveness. There are five basic areas of an environmentally oriented design. They are Building Ecology, Energy Efficiency, Materials, Building Form and plain Good Design. Some examples are as follows.   Building Ecology   Many of the products and systems used to build the your home or workplace may be toxic. They may emit unhealthy gases and substances into the air for years after construction. This can be greatly diminished if, during the design process, adjustments and substitutions are made in the materials used. Additionally, HVAC systems can be designed to provide maximum levels of fresh air and minimum levels of mildew and mold build up.   Energy Efficiency   By employing proven solar technologies and solar heating methods, thermal massing and insulation systems, energy can potentially be returned to the local power utility during even the hottest or coldest days. Energy use detectors and reflectivity can be used effectively and lighting and electrical fixture selection can dramatically reduce conventional electric use.   Materials   Some materials are "harder" on the Earth's environment than others. Some wood species come from destructive forestry practices. Some materials require extensive processing and produce toxic waste. Others may be from renewable sources and relatively safe to produce. Building ecologically takes these regional and global factors into consideration. By consistently using low impact materials we will live lighter on the planet.   Building Form   The form of a building can respond to adjacent land form, vegetation and climate patterns. Incorporated into a design may be recycling facilities, layouts accommodating new more cooperative lifestyles, reduced flow water fixtures, and indoor planting areas. The design itself can aesthetically reflect local or regional natural features, and respond to the local micro-climate.   Good Design   Good Design is the consideration for what we are leaving those that will follow us. Buildings with longevity, ease of use, reuse, and beauty , will require less energy, less repair, and more value in the future. Thoughtful design, attention to details, and use of quality materials and building systems will be much easier to sustain in the future than the mass produced, cheap and designed to fail components we frequently encounter.   These approaches comprise a new approach to building called green or sustainable design. Without using them we leave a poor legacy for future generations. With them we hold out the possibility of a regenerated and healthy environment.   The Hannover Principles   Is a key statement by architect William McDonough defining the breadth of what Green Building is.