While less surprising than steel framing or natural fibre insulation, another really good addition to your new home or renovation is eco-friendly flooring. While some types of wood flooring can be considered eco-friendly, there are lots of other options to consider as well. Reclaimed wood floors can be a good option, as no new trees need to be cut down to make them and they give a real rustic flair to a home. Other popular types of green floorings are: ceramic tile, linoleum, cork, and bamboo.

In the city of Boulder, there has been growing dissent among homeowners since City Council proposed limiting the size of Boulder's homes. The plan came about because a number of residents were complaining about the steady increase in the number of "pops and scrapes" and "scrape offs" that are appearing in established neighborhoods.

The concept of "green" building has taken the construction industry by storm and those who don't follow suit will be left behind. Green building techniques begin with the selection of materials, the use of natural light and space, proper insulation, flooring, and even responsible techniques for disposing of waste. It's estimated that this industry will grow by 60 percent in 2009 and will influence everything from residential to commercial developments.