HOMES - Photos: The Makings Of Green Buildings

Using sustainable materials and designs to build homes and office buildings is a big business as architects and builders look for ways to set their projects apart by touting energy efficient features that lower carbon footprint and reduce utility bills. The U.S. Green Building Council held its annual Greenbuild in downtown San Francisco last week, and the large trade show took up three halls of the Mascone Center. It showcased building materials designed to better insulate homes, reduce water use or make use of sunlight instead of artificial lighting. The building industry is conservative, though, and it isn't quick to adopt the more cutting-edge technologies, which tend to be more expensive, even if they promise energy savings over time.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/uciliawang/2012/11/20/photos-the-makings-of-green-buildings/