Introduction
There are many advantages to designing a building using economically and environmentally sustainable methods. Although “green” construction materials and technologies cost more in the short term, in the long run green strategies have been shown to save money. By “going green,” the owners of the building will enjoy lower utility bills and higher resale values later on. More efficient heating and cooling will not only save on costs but will be less taxing on the environment. The key to effective green building has to do with the performance and cost trade-offs associated with the different design methods. As an example, ...