What Makes A Home Green?

Since "green" has no official definition, figuring out if a home is or isn't green can be complicated. For some, energy efficiency and cost-savings is most important so they need to look for Energy Star rated homes, passive and active solar features, geothermal heating, tankless water heaters and tight construction. For others, it is about the footprint our housing choices leave on the earth, so redeveloped buildings, smaller homes, high walk scores, short commutes and the use of recycled materials are important features. Then there are those who are most concerned about the health and environmental aspect of housing and want low VOC paints and carpets, HEPA air filters and adequate testing for lead, mold and radon.

A home with any of the above features could claim to be "green", and this list is just the beginning. With my specialized training I can help you figure out how a home meets your definition of green. Ultimately though, the definition isn't as important as the effort. This is a bandwagon that everyone needs to be on, even if it starts with just changing one incandescent light bulb to a CFL. While one Energy Star appliance may not be enough to call your home a "green" home, it is still enough to begin changing the world. Change the world now - read Energy (Money) Saving Tips >>

Are you really getting an ENERGY STAR Home?

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2008 to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars — all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills. ENERGY STAR labels can be found on numerous products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. This includes appliances, heating, cooling, lighting and more.

ENERGY STAR also certifies homes. But buyer beware, ENERGY STAR appliances and heating alone do not add up to a ENERGY STAR home. To be a ENERGY STAR home the house must meet EPA field verification requirements. You’ll need to make sure your builder follows the home plan’s ENERGY STAR construction specifications and works with a Home Energy Rater, who will conduct the onsite inspection and testing to verify that your home qualifies for the ENERGY STAR. Many ENERGY STAR homes will proudly display the ENERGY STAR logo right by the front door. I can help you find the ENERGY STAR home that is right for you. Read more about ENERGY STAR >>

8 Good Reasons To Go Green

Increase your home's value and differentiate it from the competition. Estimates show that energy efficient upgrades can increase a home's value by 10 to 15%.

Save money on your energy bills. Energy efficient houses use on average 25% to 30% less energy than conventional homes, and you can get big tax credits, rebates and loans to help pay for the upgrades.

Save money on your water bill. Improvements like low-flow showerheads and high-efficiency toilets will lower your water bill. Even better, get a rain barrel and water your yard for free.

You will breath easier. Estimates show that homes can have indoor air that 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outside. Green homes are better because of low VOC materials and tight-air sealing with mechanical ventilation.

Green products are durable. Many recycled products, such as decking recycled from waste wood and PVC plastics, last longer and take less work to care from.

Eco-products have great style. Beautiful bamboo and cork floors, bright and stylish linoleum, recycled carpets, paperstone countertops and other exotic materials are worth buying even without the environmental benefits.

Green remodeling and building creates less construction waste. Building waste accounts for about 20 percent of all trash in landfills. Recycling and reusing materials keep the dumpsters empty.

It's good for the environment. The average U.S. household with four people generates between 30 and 40 tons of carbon dioxide a year, but one CFL light bulb can prevent more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Even the small changes can make a big difference.