No, we are not talking about a new trend in paint colors. GREEN BUILDING is the term being applied to a more holistic approach to residential construction. While the specific definition may vary from one region to another, the essential objectives are efficient use of land, enhancing energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and resource conservation.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has published a brochure, "Green Building and NAHB, A Blueprint for the Future" and established the NAHB Green Builder Subcommittee. David Johnston has written a book, "Building Green in a Black and White World" (available from the NAHB Bookstore, 800-223-2665, or on the web at www.BuilderBooks.com).

In the broadest terms, green building means resource-efficient home design, construction and operation. It links environmental quality with home value and performance. Typical considerations include:

1. Use of efficient framing techniques
2. Careful attention to control of air infiltration
3. Use of energy/resource efficient appliances
4. Use of low or no volatile organic compound (VOC) paints

In many ways, none of this is new. However, green building offers a way to comprehensively evaluate your new home and how it relates to the environment. The NAHB Research Center has published "A Guide to Developing Green Builder Programs" which provides information about some existing programs in different regions of the country including Texas, New Mexico, Washington, Colorado and Maryland.

To encourage the development of green building programs, NAHB is working with Fannie Mae (the largest secondary mortgage lender in the country) to establish loan programs that help buyers of homes employing these principals.

We expect that you will hear more about green building in the future. The basic principles just make good sense.