Now for something completely basic

Green buildings must be durable buildings. If you double the life of a building, no matter what the building is made of, you halve the environmental impact of its construction. But aren’t we building durable green buildings?
   Too often the answer is “no,” and too often the problem is moisture. . . .
   Astoundingly, most versions of LEED are silent on the critical matter of durability and its dependence on the relationship between energy and moisture control. LEED-Canada is an exception, with a Materials & Resources credit for durability . . . .
   The debate about using bamboo versus certified maple flooring is a worthy one. However, building professionals need to master building performance as well.

Peter Yost, talking straight in the Jan./Feb. Greensource.