The building industry is focusing on ways to build homes that preserve environmental quality, enhance communities, and conserve resources. A whole system approach to home building promotes the development of partnerships as many interests, (i.e. planning, architecture, construction, affordability, health, realty, codes and standards, energy, water protection, wildlife, transportation, waste and utility infrastructures), are combined into one home.
Builders can play a major role in providing homebuyers opportunities to be more active in protecting the environment and preserving resources.Home buyers recognize that long-term maintenance and operation of their home can be a financial drain. They also want their home to be a reflection of their lifestyle and desires.
      The 2002 construction statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that residential construction represents approximately 49% of the value of building construction in America, or over $336 billion. In the United States, there are:nearly 80 million residential buildings and an average of almost 1,600,000 residential units built each year; approximately 78% contain single residences and the remaining units containing multiple residences. Source:
        National Association of Home Builders, Units Completed 2002
Home construction and long-term operation require a tremendous amount of resources. With the average square footage of homes doubling from the 1940s and 1950s to 1999, more resources are used to build and operate them.
*Building construction and operation is accountable for one-third of all energy use in the United States
*Plumbing and appliances contribute to large amounts of water use within the home. One study indicates that between the years 1900 and 2000, residents increased per person water consumption from 5 to 10 gallons a day to 50 to 100 gallons a day.
*Building construction, operation, and maintenance contribute significantly to air pollution, which contributes to acid rain, climate change, health problems, and other impacts resulting from degraded air quality.
*A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that indoor air can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.

Building code inspectors assure that safe construction practices are used when constructing or renovating a building. Modern codes address environmental concerns such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water efficiency.Building codes and permits are complex and vary across the country. Many levels can apply including national, state and local.
    Energy-efficient residential and commercial products; guidelines and a rating program for new homes to achieve 30% more energy efficiency than the Model Energy Code. To receive the Energy Star label, the home must receive third-party verification that the home meets Energy Star standards.
    Because of the amount of time people spend inside, indoor air quality is important. Indoor air problems are usually caused by gases or particles. Many building materials and building designs contribute to indoor air problems. Outside sources can also become indoor pollutants if carried in on shoes or located next to fresh air returns for the house.

 Ventilation provides fresh air to dilute concentrations of pollutants and to carry them outside. Inadequate ventilation can add problems by allowing moisture and temperature levels to rise.Some people, especially children, elderly, and those with allergies are particularly sensitive to indoor pollutants. Adverse health effects may include respiratory, neurological, and skin conditions, impairment of brain function (mental retardation in children), lung disease and cancer. To reduce these effects, apply a "systems approach" where the interaction of all elements of the building site, building envelope, mechanical systems, and occupants are considered.
 Formaldehyde Primary source in homes is particle-board, hardwood plywood paneling, and medium density fiberboard. Also various sources including smoking, household products, and the use of unvented, fuel-burning appliances, glues and adhesives, and preservative in some paints and coating products.
 
Radon  Radioactive breakdown of soil and rock, occurs virtually everywhere
Combustion Pollutants These include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide. Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, water heaters and appliances; improperly installed or maintained chimneys and flues, and cracked furnace heat exchangers; "back-drafting" of fireplaces, woodstoves and gas appliances with no dedicated outdoor air supply.
 Secondhand Smoke Smoke coming from burning end of cigarette, pipe or cigar or exhaled by smoker Particulates Fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heaters and secondhand smoke.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)  Fuels, paints, varnishes, adhesives and wax. Household cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products containing organic solvents;  Biologicals (allergens)  (Including: dust mites, mold, pet dander, pollen, etc.) Various plant, animal, human and mechanical sources, typically enhanced through moisture and relative humidity over 30 - 50%.
 
Asbestos Mineral fiber used for insulation and as a fire-retardant in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.
Asbestos

Lead
 Old lead-based paint improperly removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning.
Pesticides Insecticides and disinfectants used in the home, carried in from contaminated soil, or stored.

Builders can reduce the risks of poor indoor air quality. Reduced liability and increased community relations will result from homes built with indoor air quality considerations.Provide adequate mechanical ventilation within the home to ensure enough fresh air intake for dilution of pollutants, removal of pollutants and efficient operation of appliances.Install a carbon monoxide detector near combustion appliances.Nearly one in15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels