So I have always wondered how you force or coerce a builder to be more ecologically minded on a worksite. We all know the stereotypes and the emphasis on the bottom line. So how does an owner overcome those issues and assure that the builder practices the same restraint and care for the environment?

Does it cost more for them to walk in defined paths, recycle, reduce waste, leave land untouched? I don't know. I suppose it might slow things down slightly. Why aren't more builders concerning themselves with this idea of eco-construction?

Not to be too much of a sarcastic/cynic. You pay them. You define the scope and the rules and you make their pay contingent on following the rules. You set up a fine and responsibility matrix in your contracts and you enforce it. I don't think it needs to be any more difficult than that.

As a builder, I say the contractual agreement is the way to go. You will find that most builders are ok with those terms, and the ones that aren't shouldn't be hired for sustainable work. Eventually the market will drive all contractors and builders to more conscious practices, but for now the contract and the binding of payment to specific practices is the right choice.