Olivewood Builders is a “Certified Green Builder”, receiving training and certification from the National Association of Home Builders. Certified Green Builders employ “green” construction techniques as best practices to create “sustainable” structures and healthier home environments.

To further our committment to green building Joe LoConte has become a certified GreenPoint Rater with Build It Green. The GreenPoint Rated program provides an objective, third-party verification system that equips consumers to find green homes, understand green benefits, and recognize green features. Joe is trained and certified to evaluate whether new home construction projects meet program standards. Learn more about at GreenPoint Rated program click here.

Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding green building:

Q: What is “green building”? 

A: Green building, also known as “sustainable building” and “environmentally sensitive building”, consists of the use of environmentally sensitive design principles, materials, construction, and techniques for building. "Green" elements can include efficient use of resources, non-toxic materials, low or no Volatile Organic Compound materials, reduced waste, and building in concert with the site's environment. A green or sustainable building should strive to achieve zero negative impact and, ideally, a positive impact on its environment.

Q: Why should we build “green”? 

A: By reducing or eliminating the unhealthy materials commonly used in building, such as toxic paints, caulking, etc., a big step is taken toward creating a healthier building for it's occupants and the environment at large. With the use of natural light and fresh air, renewable materials, reduced inefficiency and waste in design and construction, the impact of the structure on the environment is diminished.

Q: Is building “green” too expensive? 

A: Some green building resources cost less and some require a higher initial investment but can start paying back immediately with energy, water, and other savings. As energy and material costs rise with the depletion of finite resources, it makes economic sense.

To learn more about green construction and energy efficiency explore these resource links:

Building Technologies Program
U.S. Department of Energy's program offering tools, guidelines, training, and access to technical and financial resources for energy efficient building.

United States Green Building Council
The nation's foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. USGBC is the best connection to the people, knowledge, and tools to leverage green building.

Bay Area Build It Green
A professional non-profit organization promoting healthy, energy and resource-efficient buildings in California. Build It Green connects consumers and building professionals with the tools and technical expertise they need to build quality green buildings.

EPA Green Buildings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency site offering information and resources to reduce the "environmental footprint" of residential and commercial buildings, including the Elements of Green Building.

Green Building in Alameda County
Providing residents, construction industry professionals and public agencies with a wide range of green building resources and services.

Green Building Design and Construction
California Integrated Waste Management Board website offering green building basics, toolkit, training programs and more.

Green Building Exchange
A resource for guidance, educational programs, and free referrals to the public or business professionals covering green building projects from initial design to completed structure.

RecycleWorks Green Building
San Mateo County sponsored web site with a free green building hotline, Green Building Materials Guide and Building Material and Professional Database.

Energy Star
Information on energy efficient products and practices for residential and commercial use.

Flex Your Power
Energy conservation information, updates on California energy use, incentives and rebates, technical assistances, product guides, and other resources.

Green Seal
An organization dedicated to promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services. Search for certified products, browse "green reports", obtain technical assistance, information about emerging green policies and more.

Water Saver Home
California Urban Water Conservation Council resource offering tips and do-it-yourself techniques to increase residential water efficiency.

Water Wiser
Authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America.