Sustainable design or building "green" is an opportunity not only to use our resources more efficiently while creating healthier commercial or industrial buildings, it also applies to residential construction and  renovation.

Residential green building practices include designing and constructing homes that use energy, water, and materials efficiently; have a reduced impact on their physical environment; and promote a healthy indoor environment for you, your family, or your customer. By using an integrated design approach, the whole residential building can be designed and operated as a system.

CalRecycle's residential green building program is working to assist you in greening the residential sector.

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Greenbuilding/Residential/