Green construction methods are quickly gaining in popularity among homeowners and homebuilders alike. Incorporating even one of these methods or materials can greatly increase the indoor air quality and efficiency of your new home while helping the environment. Due to the green building trend, the availability of renewable building materials and builders who practice eco-friendly construction has been increasing, while the cost associated continues to decrease. Most house plans can easily be adapted for green building, making it easier than ever for homeowners to go green.

Here are several quick and easy ways to implement green building techniques in your new home:

Renewable Building Materials – Ask your builder about using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber, which is grown and harvested in an ecologically-sound manner, and are readily available at stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. Reclaimed materials, such as hardwood flooring, is another way to build a beautiful, yet environmentally friendly home.

Conservation – The easiest way to make sure your new homeplans are being built green is to check for the Energy Star rating on appliances and windows, and doors. Consider the use of tankless water heaters that only heat water on demand. Low-flow shower heads and toilets help with water conservation.

Healthy Home – Floors, shelving, and countertops should be built with Low-VOC materials improve your indoor air quality and reduce pollution. Children and people with pulmonary problems are especially sensitive to off-gassing from new home materials.

Landscaping with native or drought-resistant plants and preserving existing mature trees will help conserve water and minimize hot spots on the patio, house, and driveway. Native plants will require less pesticides and fertilizer as well.

Other ideas include installing green seal certified windows and doors, using foam insulation which can save up to 50% on energy bills, utilizing solar water heaters, compact fluorescent lighting, computer controlled vents that pull in fresh air.

Green home builders can by found by going to energystar.gov or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green site, nahbgreen.org