• Lot Design, Preparation and Development. Plan appropriately to leave the smallest footprint on the earth while designing for the greatest use of energy efficiency. Examples include leaving trees and other natural habitats undisturbed, passive solar orientation, and designing for water saving/recycling systems. The guidelines can be used to certify an individual home or an entire subdivision.  
•  Resource Efficiency. Choose greener construction materials. This includes using resources which are not only renewable, but also consist of low embodied energy (the amount of energy required to produce and transport product). Additionally, reduce and/or recycle jobsite waste.
• Energy Efficiency. Build with a “whole systems approach”, which takes into account multiple elements which contribute to a home’s energy performance, with the goal being building a home that requires little energy consumption.
• Water Efficiency and Conservation. Implement various features like a rain catchment system, grey water system, drought-tolerant landscaping, low flow toilets, high pressure/low water fixtures, which limit the water consumption both inside and outside of a home.
• Indoor Environmental Air Quality. Create healthy indoor air by using low or non-VOC products and implement high ventilation and breathability features into home. 
•  Operation, Maintenance, and Homeowner Education.  Provide homeowner educational material which teaches how to properly maintain home to maximize energy efficiency, water conservation, and healthy indoor air quality.
•  Global Impact. Build in a way which minimizes global environmental impact. 
• Site Planning and Land Development. Consider ways to enhance the sustaibability of the surrounding community. 

Access the Build Green New Mexico Handbook.