Natural building includes many types of methods and materials: adobe, strawbale, cob (clay/sand/straw), papercrete, bamboo, rammed earth, and others. Natural building is defined by the use of plentiful local and marginally processed natural materials to build a structure and its systems (water, energy, waste, recovery) with the most neutral ecological footprint. Natural building also includes the footprint of the building over its entire life span. Natural building costs are usually far less than conventional building, but labor costs (often including the owner-builder’s own labor) are higher.

Green building also often includes engineered structural materials such as ICFs, SIPs, green roofs, FSC-certified lumber, etc., as well as eco-friendly finishing materials such as cellulose insulation, low-VOC paints, recycled-glass countertops, and bamboo flooring. Green building focuses heavily upon using less energy after construction is complete, reducing energy use for the lifetime of the building. Green building costs are often perceived to be higher, but when planned well, may be less than conventional building.

This list has been compiled by and for Sustainable Green Country, a non-profit volunteer organization based in NE Oklahoma.