Eco Savvy Extras
. . . were always the norm at Sunrise. The Costas are aware of the carbon footprint every individual leaves behind. Sunrise Homes has always stayed on top of providing every new homeowner with the most energy efficient appliances, top rated insulation, and double insulated windows as a standard, not an upgrade.
7 Reasons For Building Green
Everyone is talking about Green Building. Every channel you flip to or page you turn has another reminder that green building is the talk of the nation. The number of contemporary home plans that are built with eco friendly features will rise from 2% in 2005 to an estimated 10% in 2010 according to a study by the NAHB and McGraw-Hill. That is 1 out of 10 homes and a five hundred percent increase over a five year period! I can only make observations and guesses at what market conditions are driving these increases; so instead, I want to talk about why we should build green in the first place.
An experienced real estate agent can help you to find the right home, determine how much to pay and negotiate the offer for you. Moreover, an agent can guide you every step of the way throughout the home buying process. But that doesn't mean you won't encounter stumbling blocks or obstacles.
1. Green Buildings save Energy.
Buildings account for 39.4% of the total U.S. energy consumption. That is the TOTAL energy consumption. Every time you fill up with gas, or get a utility bill you are reminded of the ever-increasing demand for energy. Through some relatively simple changes in a building's design and solar orientation, air sealing, high performance windows, efficient HVAC, and increased insulation this demand can be cut in half or even more.
2. Green Buildings save Water.
Occupants of Buildings use 12% of the total water consumed in the U.S. per day. Some easy ways to cut our water usage in half is to use low flow faucets and shower heads, low flow or dual-flush toilets, energy star or water sense dish washers and clothes washers, and native and draught resistant landscaping with water sensing or weathermatic irrigation. Every gallon of water that we conserve also means less energy to purify and deliver it to the home, and treat and return it to the environment.
3. Green Buildings are Healthier.
The levels of indoor pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels, and on average, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. This can lead to problems such as cancer and asthma. More than 20 million people, including 6 million children have asthma. That is about 1 in every 15 people. Green buildings improve indoor air quality over traditional house plans by air sealing, proper ventilation, air filtration, moisture management, and avoiding potential sources of pollutants such as VOCs and formaldehyde.
4. Green Buildings are a Great Investment.
Now, there is high demand for green homes even though the past 3 years have been extremely rough on the national housing market. Homes have lost an average of 12% of their value, but green certified homes have held their value, and in many cases increased in value. Green homes save money every single month because they lower water, electric, and gas bills. Green certified commercial buildings enjoy these benefits as well as increased worker productivity. All Green certified homes have what is called a Home Energy Rating (HERS rating). Homes with Green Certifications, HERS ratings, and better indoor air quality will continue to enjoy these higher resale values similar to the way that gas guzzling SUVs are filling used car lots while their fuel efficient counterparts remain in demand.
5. Green Buildings Protect our Waterways from Pollution.
Buildings and their pavement replace natural surfaces with impermeable surfaces. This creates runoff that washes sediments and pollution into our waterways. This runoff is the fourth leading source of pollution in rivers, third in lakes, and second in estuaries. On the Gulf Coast we all understand the value of the waterways, and many of us are attracted to lake home plans near water because of these natural resources. Green buildings help to prevent this runoff by reducing impermeable surfaces, minimizing soil disturbanc e and erosion, and managing storm water by using low-impact development.
6. Green Buildings Reduce Waste.
Construction and demolition (C&D) debris accounts for nearly 60% of our total non-industrial waste each year. Green building works to prevent this type of waste by creating efficient floor plans, utilizing advanced framing techniques, using materials that use fewer resources, using renewable resources, and reclaimed or recycled materials.
7. Green Buildings Reduce our Carbon Dioxide Emissions.
When I think about CO2 emissions I usually think about cars and trucks as the worst offender, but buildings account for 38.1% of the U.S.'s total CO2 emissions. Green buildings reduce our carbon footprint by reducing energy requirements, and the amount of materials and resources needed for construction. Green development also works to site homes and businesses near essential services and sources of mass transit. In 1969 48% of students walked or biked to and from school compared to less than 15% in 2001. By changing the focus of our developments from automobiles to humans we can impact the CO2 emissions that come from autos.
Unlike traditional house plans based upon ostentation and show, contemporary home plans which embody the principles of green building are economically and environmentally sensible. Whether you are considering an urban dwelling or lake home plans, there are green solutions which can maximize the health, well-being, and happiness of your family.
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