Studies have shown that sustainable buildings cost only about 2 percent more to build than traditional buildings do -- and they'll pay you back many times over in energy savings. So how much do you know about building green? See more »

Let's say you're building a house. You want to "build green," but where do you start? Most likely, you'll turn to LEED. See more »

Remember the story of the little pig who built a straw house, only to have the big, bad wolf huff and puff and blow it down? Nowadays, that pig would have a sturdy, energy-efficient home. See more »

Zinc was all the rage in Europe in the 1800s, and modern American architects and contractors seeking more sustainable resources have rediscovered its value for roofs and walls. See more »

Tree houses are fun and safe if constructed properly. Test your knowledge on tree houses with this tree house quiz at HowStuffWorks. See more »

As the green lifestyle becomes more mainstream, the EarthCraft House program takes the lead by providing eco-friendly homes to everyday homeowners. See more »

"Green" is one of the hottest buzzwords in construction. Proponents say green building is environmentally friendly -- and also healthier and more cost-efficient. See more »

Green communities aren't neighborhoods with lush grass and lots of trees. They're communities full of people who want to be eco-friendly. See more »

Ecology-minded people are exploring options for building or owning energy-efficient homes in ever increasing numbers. Owning a green home not only helps our environment, but can also save a lot of money on energy costs. Owners of EarthCraft homes claim that they have a better quality of life while spending less money to achieve it. Take this quiz on EarthCraft homes to check out your green savvy. See more »

Green building is popular, important and doable. Everybody can be made aware of the value of preserving our planet. The keys are awareness, will and ingenuity. Use your ingenuity right now and take this green building quiz. See more »