Are You Green?

Green is making news but how about buyers being interested in Green homes?? According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) there has been a 50% increase in homes being certified by green building programs since 2005.

What features are being incorporated?
High performing appliances, heating & cooling systems for sure along with windows and insulation are the main emphasis. Some areas are even going to solar power. Reducing water consumption is also important by using inexpensive aerators to providing toilets with two flushing buttons that distinguish between a 0.8-gallon flush for liquid waste and 1.6 gallons to remove solid waste!

There are even systems that can collect rainwater and recycle water (called greywater in RV world!) coming from used water from sinks, baths/showers, dishwashers & washing machines (50% to 80% of the waste water from homes!) This greywater is collected and treated to be reused for toilet-flushing and landscape watering. Builders are also using recycled materials and earth-friendly products.

Buyers are also rethinking the larger square footage on homes.
The trend is more on smaller better designed homes which are more affordable both to purchase and to occupy. With the increase in heating and cooling costs as well as the commuting expenses, buyers are willing to live closer to work in a smaller property.

What can you do as an existing homeowner...
when you are not rushing out to buy that “self-efficient hybrid” smaller home?? About 1/3 of your energy costs go to heating, another 1/3% on lighting and appliances, and the other third on air conditioning, water heating, and refrigeration (The latter is probably higher in Texas!)

The best energy saver...
is insulation, pinpointing common escape points such as openings for plumbing & wiring, attic vents & plumbing stacks. Even duct leaks can reduce your efficiency by 20%! Non efficient windows is another cause as well as a wrong sized heating and cooling system.

The most recognized guideline...
for energy efficiency is Energy Star, combined effort of Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy which can be found at www.energystar.gov. For existing homes, we have the Home Energy Rating System (Hers) as our standard. www.natresnet.org

What are some things we as the consumer will not give up?
The family room will continue to increase in size usually at the expense of the formal living room, ceiling heights will continue to grow with the average being 9’ ceilings, Master suites are increasing with 62% of the upscale homes having 2 Master suites, one downstairs and one upstairs to take care of elderly parents or aging owners!

Calculate your own impact on the environment...
by going to http://green.yahoo.com/index777php?q=calculator. Answer a few questions about where and how you live and you will get an estimation of your own carbon footprint.