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Introduction to Green Building: Environmental Sensitivity with Building Materials

By Alexis Karolides

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This article, which is the second part of a two-part series on green building originally published in RMI Solutions, discusses the use of environmentally sensitive building materials. Alexis Karolides details the environmental impact of building materials such as concrete, metals, wood, and carpeting. Environmentally sensitive alternatives are also suggested. Karolides writes that choosing “green” building materials is not a cut-and-dried process. There are many considerations—sometimes conflicting. No project will be composed of a perfectly green set of materials and strategies; rather, designers and owners must determine what the most important characteristics are for the project and what the occupants need.”

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Alexis Karolides

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