According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, green architecture is a "concept of design that encourages sustainable energy sources, energy conservation, the reuse and safety of construction materials, and the siting of a project with consideration of its environmental effect." Eco-friendly buildings use natural materials instead of steel or concrete for their frames. They are designed to be as efficient as possible, requiring less energy to construct than conventional buildings and using fewer resources during their lifespan. These structures reduce our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, preserve our environment, and help prevent climate change. In addition, they create jobs in the building industry, which has suffered due to decreased usage of timber as a building material. Finally, eco-friendly buildings use less water than traditional ones; they are also more resistant to damage from heat, fire, and wind. They can be any type of structure, but most commonly they are used for offices, schools, hospitals, labs, and museums. There are many different ways to achieve an eco-friendly building; here are just a few: use solar power panels for lighting and heating/cooling, install rainwater collection systems to irrigate gardens or wash cars, and try to buy local products over long distances driven by trucks.