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Eco-design is a concept that is relatively new and one which can have several meanings. One relates to the building envelope and the other relates to the systems that connect the building to the natural world and provide for that building in more sustainable ways. Eco-design in the building envelope application uses 'green' building materials and building systems that minimize the use of non-renewable and polluting materials.

A strawbale structure with earthen plasters, non-toxic interiors, and interior straw panels would be an example of one that was designed with eco-design principles in mind. The other meaning of eco-design is has to do with sustainably built structures working with and as part of the eco-system of the area surrounding the structure. That means a house and a barn work with the water, plants and land they are built on. Using greywater and other onsite treatment methods for household waste is one way that the structure can be included in the eco-system in a positive manner. Greywater can be used to irrigate greenhouse plants or gardens which are close to the structure.

Connecting housing units with greenhouses provides multiple benefits. The greenhouse can grow food for the households along it, provide fresh air to the housing units, and provide fertilizer and methane gas if there is a biomatter converter in the basement of the greenhouse. No system is put in for a singular purpose so each piece connects with others in the system, producing efficiencies and lowers the cost of living for residents.

Applying eco-design principles to the building shell is the easiest part of eco-design to do. You start to use natural materials in your projects. Incorporating eco-design on a larger scale is something that can be phased in over time and is something to work for around the world. Developing phasing strategies whereby the larger eco-design elements can be brought into a project is one challenge. There is an economic component Using the current model of large labor and capital intensive housing which we see in American and the way we go about community development in relation to that capital and people intensive economy is not sustainable and one which does not offer the chance to incorporate innovative and sustainable elements.