LONG BEACH – According to BuildingGreen.com, buildings have a tremendous impact on the environment – both during construction and through their operation.

As a way to protect the environment, many are turning toward “green building,” which is a loosely-defined collection of land-use, building design, and construction strategies that reduce these environmental impacts.

Benefits of building green include reduced energy consumption, protection of ecosystems, and occupant health.

To learn more about this up-and-coming environmentally friendly building concept, builders, developers, realtors and homeowners are invited to hear Kathleen O’Brien, a nationally recognized expert in the field of green building.

O’Brien will speak at the 2003 Green Building Conference in Long Beach on Friday, Feb. 28.

The conference, which is being hosted by the South Pacific Chapter of Olympia Master Builders, will focus on the latest principles of green building, which include how to construct homes and buildings which are cost-effective and at the same time protect the Pacific Northwest environment.

“I think that as we recognize that there are no resources that are bottomless, we have to develop methods to sustain those that are available – in order to leave something for the future generations,” said Carole Paddock Lail, director of membership sales for Olympia Master Builders.

According to Lail, a number of Peninsula builders are already using some green building techniques. She said one of the key concepts of green building is using supplies that are already at-hand.

Lail said she already sees support for green building in the communities on the Peninsula, with many looking toward sustainable development.

“But I think it is important to consider that green building techniques which are successful in Seattle won’t be the same used on the Peninsula,” she said. “This is why the builders on the Peninsula are looking at those applicable for your area, rather than what another area has developed.”

For this reason, Lail said the upcoming conference in Long Beach is important, both as a way for builders to share their knowledge, and for anyone who wants to go to the conference to learn more about green building.

The 2003 Green Building Conference will be held Friday, Feb. 28 at the Chautauqua Lodge in Long Beach from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $65. To register or for more information call Olympia Master Builders at (800) 456-6473.

Green building sites on the Internet:

U.S. Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org

Environmental Building News: www.buildinggreen.com

What makes a given building product or material “green?”

Products made from environmentally attractive materials

Products that are green because of what isn’t there

Products that reduce environmental impacts during construction, renovation or demolition

Products that reduce environmental impacts of building operation

Products that contribute to a safe, healthy indoor environment