Building a Greener World: A New Plan for the Planet

Protecting the earth means rethinking how we build, one solar panel at a time

Asia Kepka for TIME

Steve Strong photographed at the Solar Power Barn in New Hampshire in February of 2007.

For a long time, when people thought about the environment they thought mostly about things they wanted to conserve: forests, species, oceans. But now we know that environmentalism is also about things we produce: houses, offices, factories. The Innovators we bring you here are all involved with what has come to be known as "green building." They include a Massachusetts "solar zealot" making sun power more affordable for homeowners, a couple in India developing eco-friendly communities, an Italian promoting concrete that "eats" air pollution and a Texas crusader for greener hospitals. They all want a world where concern for the earth...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!