What's happened to the term energy efficient home? I read the best definition of an energy efficient home by Dennis Crook. He's built energy efficient homes since the Carter Administration in the 1980's. His definition of an energy efficient home follows:

“The energy-efficient home acts as a smooth-functioning machine in which the equipment produces as much, if not more energy capacity than needed to operate the ideal human environment, including air quality, moisture conditions, temperature, and lighting. The ideal energy-efficient home retains the best environment for human habitation while minimizing the cost of energy.”

Thank you for this simple explanation! I finally understand what an energy-efficient home is.

But, what I don't get then is what green building means?

I hear people suggest growing grass on my roof. Wouldn't I need a flat roof? I heard flat roofs need repairs more frequently, once every ten years. That is more than pitched roofs. Where will I put the soil when it needs repaired? When it needs mowed how does the mover get onto the roof? I already have enough lawn to mow.

Won't there be added weight on the building from the soil and moisture from rain? I would be concerned about molds forming from the moist soil.

I certainly don't want my walls made out of straw bail. What happens if a tiny hole occurs in the wall? That'd be a great nesting place for rodents. What happens if there is a fire, straw will immediately spark right?

Has anyone really thought through the term “green building”? Or was the term developed as a new marketing ploy to sell products? I think I'll stick with my home being energy efficient. At least I understand what it means and won't have to rebuild my house. Energy efficiency is a series of modifications you can make to your home to make more efficient then what is it currently operating at.

I recommend you check out Energy Efficient Home Articles. It is a GREAT resource website that will explain and tell you how to make your home a better operating, more efficient, money saving, unit.