Green building practices offer an opportunity to create environmentally-sound and resource-efficient buildings by using an integrated approach to design. Green buildings promote resource conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation features.  They also consider environmental impacts and waste minimization; create a healthy and comfortable environment; reduce operation and maintenance costs; and address issues such as historical preservation, access to public transportation and other community infrastructure systems. The entire life-cycle of the building and its components is considered, as well as the economic and environmental impact and performance.

Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris consists of the waste generated during construction, renovation, and demolition projects. Covering a wide array of materials including wood, concrete, steel, brick, and gypsum, C&D debris is a large and complex waste stream. Reducing C&D debris conserves landfill space, reduces the environmental impact of producing new materials, and can reduce overall building project expenses through avoided purchase/disposal costs.

The following are web sites related to green building programs, design, maintenance, product directories, model contracts, available funding, case studies, database of LEED architect/engineer/builders, C&D disposal methods, green hotels and more. 

• EPA Construction and Demoilition - Defines C&D debris, lists disposal methods and additional resources.
  
• C&D Recycler - Information on the latest products/services, news, events, classifieds, RFP's and article archives.
• EPA Green Buildings - Describes and links to green building materials, energy efficiency and renewables, indoor environment and waste.
• Green Hotels Association - Describes how member hotels promote and encourage ecological consciousness in the hospitality industry, lists member hotels and "green" travel ideas. 
• Maryland Department of the Environment Green Building Factsheet
• Maryland Department of the Environment Green Roof Factsheet
• U.S. Green Building Council - Members work to develop design guidelines, policy positions, educational tools and industry standards.  Information on certified projects and accredited professionals.
• Maryland Chapter of the USGBC  https://www.usgbc.org/chapters/usgbc-maryland
  
• National Capital Region Chapter which includes Montgomery County:  https://www.usgbc.org/chapters/usgbc-national-capital-region
  
• Maryland Green Building Council  https://dgs.maryland.gov/Pages/GreenBuilding/index.aspx

Construction and Demolition Markets and Disposal Methods

To find markets for C&D materials, go to MDRecycles.org for a database of companies and materials accepted at their facilities.

For a list of all solid waste acceptance facilities (i.e. rubble landfills, transfer stations, municipal landfills) that accept C&D, go to Permitted Solid Waste Acceptance Facilities.