Sustainable building design practices emphasize efficient use of energy, water and materials, and focus on minimizing environmental degradation that is associated with buildings and infrastructure.

Sustainable design works to integrate built structures with the natural environment and takes advantage of synergies that exist within the structure and those between the structure and its surroundings. This approach can have many positive results including reducing a building's reliance on mechanical space conditioning and lighting systems, lowering capital costs and creating operational savings throughout the life of the building.

Sustainable design also emphasizes the relationship between the building occupants and the workspace, working to create an indoor environment that is safe, comfortable and fosters productivity. Building materials are evaluated based on their impacts on the environment throughout their life cycle and the building as a whole is considered for its long-term durability and adaptability.

Sustainable building design can be divided into seven categories:

• Integrated design process
• Site selection & Design
• Green Roofs
• Water Efficiency
• Energy Performance
• Material Selection
• Indoor Environment Quality