If you are thinking of building, consider downsizing and/or higher density. Choose as small a home as is comfortable for you. Smaller and multi-family homes use less land and less energy to heat and cool. Living in a smaller home is an easy way to ease environmental impact without learning about new technologies and building materials. Choosing a high-density unit, especially closer to an urban core, creates enormous savings in upkeep with shared walls, etc. Furthermore, you normally drive shorter distances plus being handy to public transportation.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Consumer Info
Choosing Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors
ACEEE Building Programs
High Performance Buildings save money, avoid pollution and improce comfort and indoor air quality.
Residential Buildings and Equipment
Department of Energy
Building Technologies Program
Energy Solutions for your Building and Homes
The building Technologies Program offers an array of resources to help architects, builders, contractors, building owners and managers, and homeowners make smart choices about energy.Resources
Building Toolbox
Building Technologies Program and Program Areas
Publications
Technology fact sheets, technical reprts, building technology roadmaps, high performance and zero energy building brochures, consumer information, and more.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) is a nonprofit, nonpartisian organization that promotes responsible energy choices that solve global warming problems and ensure clean, safe and healthy communities throughout the Southeast.
A Homeowner's Guide to Clean and Efficient Energy
This Guidebook will help you save money on your electric bill, and help move the United States towards a future relying on American energy, protecting the American environment. The guidebook focuses on homeowners in East Tennessee, but it relevant to any homeowner.
Excellent report. Sections on: Improving Energy Efficiency in a current home, building an energy efficient house, and producing clean, renewable energy at home.