There is no standardized answer to this question. Green building is a response to building practices that are needlessly wasteful and negatively impact the environment and occupant health.

Our definition of green building begins with quality - quality craftsmanship and quality materials. A green building withstands the test of time and maximizes the use of materials.

Green building is a holistic approach to building that considers the impacts of where materials come from, how they are used, and where they go when they live out their usefulness. This process is referred to as the "life cycle" of a product and this manner of assessment is a cornerstone of Emerald Builder's building philosophy