Final answer:
The correct answer is C) green construction, which refers to the environmentally friendly and energy-efficient approach to building design and construction known as sustainable architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of constructing buildings to be as environmentally friendly and energy-efficient as possible by utilizing recyclable and earth-friendly products is best described as C) green construction. This practice, also known as sustainable architecture, aims to minimize the environmental impact by integrating energy-efficient systems and sustainable building materials. One example of sustainable architecture in practice is the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe, which only requires 10% of the energy needed for a conventional building of the same size.
Carbon footprints are a significant consideration in this area, with architects creating homes that meet the demand for net-positive houses—homes that generate more energy than they consume. Success in reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling is often achieved through better building materials and design, such as using strategic window placement to optimize solar gain or materials like self-healing cement or bamboo that are eco-friendly.