Green Building Myths 

Myth #1: Green building is too expensive. This is a very common misconception. However there are plenty of strategies for inexpensive green building, from right-sizing the structure to optimal value engineering to reducing waste, among many others.

Myth #2: Green building is all about material selection. While green building does include using "green materials" such as those with high recycled content, this is a small part of the big picture. Other factors such as site selection and energy performance are very important as well, Green building is a systems approach to the entire construction process.

Myth #3: Green building products don't work as well as conventional products. By and large, new green products work as well if not better than traditional products.

Myth #4: Green Products are hard to find. Some green products are not manufactured nationwide and can be hard to purchase in some parts of the country. But the number of green products and systems that are available has grown exponentially over the past few years to the point where there are literally hundreds-if not thousands-of mainstream green products. BuildingGreen Inc. publishes two comprehensive directories (GreenSpec and Green Building Products) with performance data and contact information on just about every green product imaginable.

Myth #5: Green homes are "weird" or "ugly." Many of today's green homes are virtually indistinguishable from "typical" homes. Even solar panels can be both attractive and effective.