Designing and constructing buildings to minimise environmental impact requires a different approach to the conventional. From inception, we need to apply criteria to the development of the design which will achieve a number of aims.

• sensitivity to site and landscape for minimal impact on flora and fauna
• judicious analysis and selection of construction methods and materials
• careful consideration of building placement on the site and the means of waste and emissions disposal
• passively responsive design prep. suited to year-round weather conditions
• production of buildings with low levels of embodied energy by using local materials and specifying materials and products which do not require high levels of manufacturing energy
• production of buildings with low toxicity to occupants and the environment, during all stages of the building’s life-cycle and, ultimately, its disposal
• production of energy-efficient building
• catering to the crucial physical, spiritual and mental aspects of well-being