NAHB Green Build Conference

I just got back from the National Green Building Conference in Dallas. I think this as about my fifth or sixth trip to Dallas, and no offense Lone Star State, but I know why I come home to Montana. It was definitely a great time, I got to see some old friends, make some new ones and talk with many of the folks from across the country who are just as passionate about green building. We also had a great time picking up some hardware at the National Green Building Awards, congratulations to everybody who has worked so hard to put Montana on the green map!!

With all of the educational programs, keynote speakers, and social networking (they do have some good tequila in Dallas) there's a lot of information and pontification about green, what it means, what are the most important principles, what's the best green program, and on and on and on. There's a new/old theme that's gaining more steam in these conversations and I'm thrilled to say that I've been saying this for some time. Are you ready? If you know me you've heard it before, but Green Building is not rocket science, it's simple stuff and even you can do it. (yes, you.)

This nascent back to basics shift has the potential to become a groundswell. I see many long time, knowledgeable green proponents who are spending less time discussing the size of carbon footprints or the embodied energy in one siding versus another and actually focusing on the basic principals of building a smaller, better designed, more durable home that uses less water, less energy and works as a complete system.

Remember that at the heart of Green Building are a few very important but simple principles; save energy, save resources, save water, keep the air healthy, and minimize impact from site work to finish. Don't worry if you haven't read the latest book on cradle to cradle concepts or the energy revolution, remember the basic principles, apply them to your buildings and keep moving forward.