A ‘TEBS’ building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. ‘TEBS’ buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life.

There are a number of features which can make a building ‘TEBS’. These include:

+ Efficient use of energy, water and other resources
+ Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy and wind energy
+ Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling
+ Good indoor environmental air quality
+ Consideration of the environment in design, construction and operation
+ Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction and operation
+ A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment

Eco-friendly construction has developed in response to the knowledge that buildings have an often negative impact upon our environment and our natural resources. This includes transporting materials hundreds or thousands of miles, which has a negative impact in the energy required to transport them, and also in emissions of hazardous chemicals from a poorly designed building that creates, and traps them.

Green buildings are energy-efficient homes which require less energy to heat, cool and run. Going green is good for the environment because making use of clean, renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, reduces dependence on fossil fuels and the contamination caused by them. Thinking switching to solar panels is a big step.

While building a green home may initially be more expensive than standard construction, over the long-term you will save money. The construction of a normal home involves lots of waste, whereas, an eco-friendly home makes efficient use of all the materials and also uses recycled materials. The construction materials used are more durable and so do not require replacing or repairing as frequently as with standard materials. The use of non-toxic materials makes the building site a healthier place to work in.

Only non-toxic materials are employed in the construction of green homes. That means that the air circulating inside them is fresher, purer and healthier for you and your family to breathe. No plastic by-products which can release toxic materials are employed in green homes. These toxic substances have been shown to cause breathing problems and even to increase the risk of developing cancer

The use of non-toxic household cleansers along with natural methods of mold prevention and pest control all bring additional health benefits. Furthermore, eco-friendly buildings are brighter and airier than conventional buildings. The increased amount of sunlight that enters can reduce depression, and green buildings are less stressful, more peaceful places in which to live.

Green homes reduce water waste by installing efficient plumbing fixtures. They have dual flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and faucets installed as standard. They also make use of alternative water sources, such as rain, and utilise recycling and purifying systems for their irrigation and grey water needs. Efficient water use will ensure that future generations will have access to a supply of clean water.