Energy efficient appliances and green home renovations are popular with homeowners in the Tri-Cities but what constitutes environmentally friendly building practices has a few Port Moody residents scratching their heads.

A mini-building boom is taking place in parts of the region, as many residents take advantage of the home renovation tax credit launched by the federal government earlier this year.

So the city of Port Moody, prompted by members of the Glenayre Community Association, decided to hold a seminar on green building.

The event, which will be held at Old Orchard Hall next week, will discuss everything from renovation practices that reduce waste, to creating healthier indoor living environments and ways people can reduce emissions.

"It improves community awareness on these topics," said Julie Pavey, Port Moody's manager of parks and environment services. "They are able to look at different upgrades and also save them money on their future utility bill."

The seminar will discuss green building on a room-by-room basis, said Pavey, and will explain some of the energy efficient rating systems that are commonly used.

The seminar will be hosted by the Vancouver-based Lighthouse Sustainable Buidling Centre. The non-profit organization said new green products and services are coming out every day and it is important to be aware of the most up-to-date building practices.

It defines a sustainable building as one that is "built and operated with low environmental impacts while enhancing the health, welfare and quality of life for the people that live in and around them."

Lighthouse will even discuss ways of limiting the amount of waste created during the building process.

According to the city of Port Moody one-third of all solid waste comes from discarded building material and there are ways that amount can be reduced.

"People want to make good choices and can benefit from some of the work and research done by others," Pavey said.

The seminar is being funded by the city of Port Moody and is free to attend. It will be held at Old Orchard Hall (600-block of Bentley Road) between 7 and 9 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 3.

Refreshments will be served, however participants are asked to bring their own re-usable coffee mug. Space is limited. For more information about the seminar or to register call 604-469-4676.