Midwest Eco-Design - Your home for eco-friendly construction, remodeling & housing choices including prefrabricated homes, cabins and other sustainable material choices.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) offers resources for their members and the public on green building techniques and other important green issues. They provide a list of 20 questions that you can ask your architect. Their web site (www.aia.org) also offers an architect finder feature. Simply enter your zip code and you can choose from a list of architects in your area and visit their web sites. Ask them what green properties they have completed in your area and, if possible, visit the property to see for yourself.

Think older, historic buildings are “energy hogs” that should be demolished to make room for newer, more energy-efficient buildings? Think again! According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, buildings constructed before 1920 were actually built tighter than today’s standards, making them more energy-efficient than those built later.

Americans spend more than $160 billion a year to heat, cool, light, and otherwise power their homes. With the rising cost of fuels, many homeowners are fighting the ever-increasing gas and electric bills. To do a full energy audit on your home & learn how to save energy AND money, see the Home Energy Saver Calculator.