HOMES: Big green wave                            Austin Statesman Green

As Austin knows and the nation is discovering, building thoughtfully can help both environment and homeowners.

Austin helped get it started. And now, it's everywhere you look.

Green building — the ubiquitous shorthand for using sustainable, environmentally friendly construction practices and materials — has become much more than a trend. For an increasing number of builders, it's become standard practice.

By the end of 2007, nearly 100,000 homes across the country had been certified green, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

The green movement was incubated in part by advocates in Central Texas, and those efforts continue with events such as the Austin Green Living & Home Products Expo, scheduled at Austin Convention Center. Consumers will be able to attend green-focused workshops and check out the latest in eco-friendly home and garden products.

Green building proponents say there's no end in sight to the movement's growth, and the proof can be found at every major home builders' conference.   

By Carrie Alexander
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Sunday, April 13, 2008