WorldWatch Institute says Unived States buildings use

17% of total fresh water

25% of harvested wood

40% of total energy flows (worldwide)

...and generate

50% of Chlorofluorocarbon production

40% of landfill materials (construction waste only)

33% of CO2 emissions

1. Select and develop sites to promote livable communities
2. Develop flexible designs to enhance building longevity
3. Use natural strategies to protect and restore water
4. Improve energy efficiency while ensuring thermal health
5. Reduce environmental impacts related to energy use
6. Promote occupant health and well-being in the indoor environment
7. Conserve water and consider water reuse systems
8. Use environmentally preferable building materials
9. Use appropriate plant material (potentially restore habitat environment)
10. Plan for recycling during construction, demolition and occupancy

We have decimated 97% of the ancient forests of North America and globally we are losing

27 000 species a year, and

500 000 tropical forest trees per hour

- The Ecology of Commerce, Harper Collins, 1993