Green planning and design is the first step in creating sustainable and environmentally friendly building and construction projects.    Green construction projects reduce resource requirements, maximize production efficiency and minimize waste.  The cornerstone of environmentally friendly building projects is effective planning and design that strives to maintain quality of life while substituting less harmful products and processes for conventional ones.  Principles of green building design include the use of low-impact sustainable or recycled materials, energy efficiency, the use of high quality and durable products, focusing on products and processes designed for reuse and recycling, and utilizing local and regional products to reduce the need for transportation.  By keeping the needs of present generations in mind without compromising the needs of future ones, the result is a healthy and productive environment.  Green building design begins with the involvement of qualified architects, engineers, consultants, inspectors, and auditors.