Changes of global climate, exhaustion of natural resources, pollution and destruction of natural habitats are clear signs that human activity is becoming unsustainable. Facing these symptoms of global crisis, it has become consensual that measures to mitigate such problems are needed. The housing sector is a major consumer of resources consequently it is a key area to promote environmental sustainability. The concept of sustainable housing derives form the broader concept of “sustainable developmen”, being also divided in three domains: social, environmental and economical. To promote sustainable housing many guidelines can be set up, having impacts on urban, architectonic and construction levels. These are the themes that this paper intents to discuss in order to clarify some fundamental concepts and provide information about different options.