Constructing energy efficient homes and buildings using "Green" technology and practices is a vital step toward protecting our environment. Utilizing sustainable materials is a part of this process. But, energy efficiency and sustainability in green building projects is only part of the solution. New building produces huge amounts of waste, which in most cases goes to a landfill somewhere. Many times, older homes are destroyed to make way for new "Green" homes. Most of this material also goes into a landfill. Hopefully, in the near future, all homes will be built, to last, in a sustainable and energy efficient manner. But, until then, it's important to assess the viability of renovation and remodeling of older structures. Often times, it's more environmentally responsible to breath new life into older homes using the same green building techniques we use in new energy efficient homes. Renovations, if done with sustainability in mind, can also be considered "Green building."
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