First, let's try to understand the criteria. From StopWaste.org (Alameda County, CA) here's what they say

WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING?

In a nutshell, green building means taking steps to create wonderful homes that are safe for our families and communities and that protect our environment. Whether you are redecorating, remodeling or planning to build a new home, keep in mind these three fundamental green building goals:

• Be mindful about using limited resources such as wood and water so that you limit waste, pollution and environmental damage.

• Build and remodel with energy efficiency in mind to save money, create a more comfortable home, and reduce air pollution and global warming.

• Choose healthy materials and construction methods to prevent indoor pollution from formaldehyde, mold and other contaminants.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

People are drawn to green building for many important reasons, including:

• Higher quality. Most green building products and materials were developed to perform better than their conventional counterparts.

• Greater durability and less maintenance. Green building encourages the use of long-lasting products that don't require a lot of time or harsh chemicals to maintain. Products that don't have to be replaced frequently also put less of a burden on natural resources and landfills.

• Greater comfort and lower utility bills. Energy efficiency upgrades can reduce your energy bills while providing you with all the comfort and convenience you expect.

• Healthier products and practices. Green building promotes the use of products and construction practices that don't introduce harmful chemicals or other pollutants into your home.

• Natural resource conservation. Protecting the environment is another compelling reason for choosing to build green.

There are so many sites dedicated to green building including HGTV that dedicated a whole section on Green building: From the basement to the roof I was intrigued by the article that mention a survey that says consumers are willing to pay more for green products.

Alameda Library is the first green building in Alameda. And now, 1533 Morton Street is the first green home that adheres to the green building principles as outlined by the Smart Communities Network

 GREEN BUILDING PRINCIPLES

Energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. Building strategy, cost-effective energy technologies, proper siting, renewable energy systems are all designed to reduce the amount of energy the property needs to operate and to keep its occupants comfortable.  Photovoltaic system is just one of many technologies used by this home.

Environmental impact. By building the home as an infill, it preserves the site's integrity, natural characteristics. A common definition of infill is "the use of vacant land and property within a built-up area for further construction or development, especially as part of a neighborhood preservation or limited growth program."

Resource Conservation. Some examples include selecting materials that have some recycled content, installing water-conserving and energy-efficient products. The home features non-toxic and recycled denim/blue jeans for insulation. The benefits are many.

Indoor Air Quality  Avoid construction and interior products that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ensure interior spaces are adequately ventilated.

Community Issues.  This home is just down the block to the bus stop where one can get on the express bus to San Francisco. Its Walk Score is a high 82 which deems it “very walk able” and encourages bicycling and walking to amenities that include shopping and recreational facilities.

INTRODUCING: 1533 Morton Street. Take a look at the long list of green elements of this fabulous home.

THE HOME

• Built in 2009
• 3 bedrooms
• 3.5 baths
• 2000 sq ft of living space
• 1-car attached garage with combination touch pad
• 1-car driveway parking
• Front door security system with color monitor

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

• Central vacuum cleaning system
• Exhaust fan in garage for carbon monoxide removal
• Carbon monoxide alarm and smoke detectors at door to garage
• Permanent walk-off matting system at entrance
• Low VOC paint and finishes
• Kitchen exhaust fan vented outside
• All non-toxic cotton insulation made of recycled cotton denim/blue jeans
• Air ducts and vents protected during construction

WATER CONSERVATION

• All plumbing fixtures are Grohe water-saving fixtures
• Energy Star rated water saver Grohe dishwasher
• Dual flush toilets by Toto
• Timers at all irrigation systems
• Drought/heat tolerant 90% Tall Fescue/10% Bluegrass blend
• Native species plants with no invasive species, with mulch and compost at landscaping

 COMMUNITY

• Efficient 2000 sq ft floor plan with creative design
• Urban infill lot
• High Walk Score, near shops, services, public transport
• Homeowner manual of green features and benefits
• Site orientation for solar panels. ventilation systems

ENERGY CONSERVATION

• 2.45 kW rated solar energy system
• 92% high efficiency heating system with heat recovery ventilation
• Tank-less on-demand hot water system within 24 ft of all hot water fixtures and appliances
• Insulation at all hot water pipes
• All ductwork installed within conditioned spaces
• Energy Star rated appliances
• Compact fluorescent recessed lighting
• Energy saving lighting and fan controls
• High efficiency insulated Kolbe windows and doors with low-e glazing
• Passive design elements for natural lighting and ventilation
• Windows at garage door for natural light and ventilation

 RESOURCE CONSERVATION

• 40-year composition shingle roofing
• Caesar Stone countertops—recyclable content
• Durable Trex decking material with reclaimed wood and plastic content
• Built-in recycling center
• Bamboo flooring in main living areas
• Cork flooring in bedrooms
• Stained concrete floor at entry level
• Custom bamboo cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms
• Deconstruct existing structure onsite and reuse for siding at historic home
• Air construction debris was sorted and diverted for reuse
• 25% ash in concrete for slab and foundation
• Engineered wood at structural beams and floor joist systems
• Cementations siding with recycled content and 15-year factory applied finish
• Pre-wired for cable TV, telephone with Cat5e, network ready