Building from the Ground Up

What is green building? Why should we do it?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green building as: "The practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction."

The EPA site addresses the environmental benefits of green building including the improvement of air and water quality and the conservation of natural resources; economic benefits including the reduction of operating costs, and social benefits such as enhancement of comfort and health and heightening of aesthetic qualities.

We believe it is also important to consider green building in terms of faith and a view of the world as a place that we are called to protect. For more information on this aspect of green building please visit our theology page.

Evaluate Your Needs

These resources can help in developing a feasible plan for your construction project.

• Getting Started: http://www.webofcreation.org/GettingStarted/index.htm
• http://www.buildingingoodfaith.org
• Carbon Footprint Calculator: http://coolcongregations.com/

Organize a "Green Team"
Gather a committee to create a mission and plan for your project.

• http://www.buildingingoodfaith.org/fundraising03.cfm
  
• http://eenonline.org/educate/GTFAQ.htm
  
• http://www.earthministry.org/programs/greening-congregations/greeningcongregations-process
  

Find a Green Architect
An important consideration for congregations beginning green construction is selecting an architect and/or consultant well-versed in sustainable architecture. These sites provide resources for locating these professionals. *Note: This is for informational purposes only. Although some sites may direct you to specific individuals, we do not endorse any architects or other professionals.

• http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=expert_help.find_exp_help
  
• http://www.buildingingoodfaith.org/pdm_hiring.cfm
  
• http://architectfinder.aia.org/
  

Finance Your Project

Although it is challenging to find grant money and outside funding opportunities for a congregation's green building project, there are other ways to finance your project through fundraising, as well as long-term planning.

Research Funding Opportunities
The National Council of Churches offers a search engine for finding funding and incentives by state and denomination.

• http://nccecojustice.org/greenchurch/grbfunding.php

Long-Term Planning and Ideas for Creative Financing
Although many green construction projects have higher initial costs, it is important to incorporate a long-term vision that recognizes the eventual benefits of environmentally conscious buildings. These resources provide in-depth explanations of up-front vs. operational costs, as well as ideas on how to finance initial costs.

• http://www.buildingingoodfaith.org/pdm_lifecycle.cfm
• http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=congregations_guidebook.congregations_guidebook_getting_started_3
• http://www.earthministry.org/resources/suggestedpublications/bytopic/finances-economics
• http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?state=us
• http://www.buildingingoodfaith.org/fundraising05.cfm

* Learn about the Americorps program and getting an intern to help with your paperwork and other administrative needs.

• http://www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/overview/index.asp
• http://www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/faith/index.asp
• http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/faith/resources.asp

Construct Your Building

Materials
Learn about sustainable building materials.

• http://www.greenbuildingsolutions.org/s_greenbuilding/sec.asp?CID=2113&DID=8951
• http://www.greenbuildingsolutions.org/s_greenbuilding/sec.asp?CID=2115&DID=8953
• http://planetreuse.com/

Best Practices for Construction
Tips for the actual building process.

• http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/imr/cdm/whatyoucan.htm
• http://www.constructiongreenbook.com/

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification
Small changes, like a building's orientation, can have a huge influence on its environmental impact. Check out some cheap and easy options for making your new building greener.

• http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?a=178771&c=41617
• http://jetsongreen.typepad.com/jetson_green/2006/12/global_green_us.html