The rating process costs about $1,500 for a single-family home, which pays for itself in long-term energy and water savings. The stairwell receives the same attention to natural lighting as the rest of the residence. The banister was milled from wood reclaimed from the original structure; re-purposing what would normally be "waste" construction materials also fetches points. Photo 9 of 13 in Building Green in Albany by Diana Budds

Building Green in Albany

9 of 13

The rating process costs about $1,500 for a single-family home, which pays for itself in long-term energy and water savings. The stairwell receives the same attention to natural lighting as the rest of the residence. The banister was milled from wood reclaimed from the original structure; re-purposing what would normally be "waste" construction materials also fetches points.