Green Building Dilemma: To Build or Not To Build?

A recent post on home improvement guru Bob Vila’s blog raises a bold question about housing in the U.S.: Should we continue building new homes? The post references a green building advisor, who believes energy consumption is of greater environmental concern than energy efficiency in homes. Here are his suggestions for anyone considering building a new green home:

• Renovating or purchasing an existing home is preferable to building a new (even green) home.
• There are already enough existing homes available.
• Small houses are better for the environment than large ones.
• Improving the airtightness of your current home with insulation should be your focus if you want to cut down on energy use.

What are your thoughts for or against these views?