Building and buying homes that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious is what seems to be on a lot of peoples minds. More and more buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of building green or buying a home that already has environmentally friendly and efficiency standards in place.
With electric rates rising as well as the concern for our environments condition, statistics show that people are ready to listen, open their minds and see how living green is a shift from being more efficient to being more effective. Now in days, people are even willing to pay anywhere from 1 to 3 percent more for this type of home.
Just in case you aren’t familiar with the Building or Buying Green topic, the basic principle driving this is defined by making sure the products in the home come from sustainable resources, the items are non-toxic, are recyclable, and help reduce energy use. You can easily break it down into three basic categories which is water efficiency, smart energy, and architecture/landscaping.
When it comes to water efficiency, there are a few things that builder are doing can be implemented in your own home.
* Depending on your local building regulations, some homes are designed to collect rain water for the garden and landscaping.
* Manufactures have now designed what is called an instant gas water heater which only uses energy to heat water when needed preventing people from letting the water run until its warm.
* Installing low flow heads on faucets, and showers as well as low flow commodes are also water efficiency practices.
Smart Energy refers to both materials and products.
* EnergyStar appliances
* Passive solar day lighting
* Improved insulation
* Compact Fluorescent lights (CFL)
* Improved insulation
* High-Performance windows
* 12 to 14 SEER variable speed dehumidification controlled, electronic air cleaning, heat pump system
* Extra-sealed air conditioning ducts
* TVs and other electronics that automatically power down when not in use
* Ceiling fans in each room
Architecture and landscaping are also very important when it comes to either looking for or building a green home.
* Situating a home to prevent the heat from the sun
* Decrease the number of windows on the south and west sides of the home
* Tight construction (Sealing)
* Reused antique brick walkways
* Recycled content roof and wall sheathing
* Countertops made from recycled concrete and glass
* Locally handcrafted cabinetry
* Landscape with plants and trees that are compatible with the local environment and climate
