At last there is a way to build your dream home without compromising your environmental integrity.
With the emergence of the 'going green' phenomenon into mainstream society, green construction has become a multi-billion dollar industry.
As a result, now is the time to capitalize on green developments and initiatives.
Whether building a new home or renovating an existing, rest assured that it is possible to have the best of both worlds.
From outside to inside and everywhere in between, make your luxury dream -- luxe-green! To ensure superior eco-friendly construction, consider hiring a professional green team.
Look for contractors that have existing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified projects.
LEED is the chief authority on eco-friendly construction designs.
Governed by the U.
S.
Green Bldg Council, LEED's focus lays in evaluating high performance green buildings and rating accordingly.
LEED bases their evaluation on many factors including the construction, interior design, and landscaping elements.
Green Construction Many building materials are now constructed with recycled materials.
New products are introduced to the green construction market at a rapidly growing rate.
Demand for such items is soaring, while the traditional housing market is still in a steady decline.
Below are some of the most popular items currently in production.

• Geothermal systems heat and/or cool the home by using ground source heat pumps to take advantage of the consistent temperatures found below the earth's surface.
  
• Photovoltaic roof panels use solar radiation to generate electricity.
  A 5.
  6 kilowatt PV system can produce just below 1000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month.
  
• Radiant floor heating uses either hydronics or electrical systems to heat the floor.
  
• Solar tubes or light pipes, a type of skylight, transfer and distribute natural light.
  These are ideal for illuminating closets and interior rooms.
  
• Dual flush toilets allow users to choose from two water levels depending on if the waste is solid or liquid.
  
• Insulation of the home is vital to energy efficiency.
  Concrete walls offer four times the insulation of standard wood walls.
  If concrete seems too cold for your taste, consider cellulose insulation.
  It is composed of recycled newspaper, and held in high esteem amongst contractors.
  

Green Interior Design Upon achieving an environmentally sound architecture and construction of the home, consider the importance of carrying that through to the interior features.

• Energy star appliances meet certain product specifications outlined by the EPA.
  
• Fabrics and rugs should come from sustainable sources like cotton, wool, hemp, or silk.
  
• Volatile organic compound (VOC) paints are ideal because they do not emit gases or other chemicals.
  

Eco-Friendly Landscaping It goes without saying that the "greenest" portion of your home should be the great outdoors.
However, there are other measures to bear in mind when building a lush, environmentally sound landscape and hardscape.

• Feature indigenous and drought resistant plants.
  
• For irrigation and other non-potable applications, consider the use of greywater.
  Greywater is wastewater generated by washing dishes, laundry, and bathing.
  Other options are rainwater cisterns that are utilized for the same purpose.
  

For additional inspiration in luxe-green housing, look to EcoManor located in Atlanta.
This home was awarded a Gold Level LEED rating, the first of its kind in the Southeast.
At over 6,000 square feet, this mansion is extravagant in appearance but eco-responsible at heart.
Who would have ever dreamed that extravagance and environmentalist could peacefully co-exist?