Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

Sunday in Asheville. It has been raining for 12 hours. We didn't slide down the ridge, and there is freshness in the air. With that clearing comes a fresh thought or two about looking outside everyday answers to find a new model for doing business in a sustainable world. 

A Fresh Thought .A friend sent the link below to me this morning. I normally don't get all excited about silicon nitride grains-but this representation  (see graphic*) from the Oak Ridge National Laboratories got me going. It is an " image of the thin glassy film between two silicon nitride grains revealing individual lanthanum atoms attached to the grain surfaces. The image was recorded with the world-record 0.7 angstrom resolution scanning transmission electron microscope at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and processed with Pixon technology. The derived atomic model is superimposed...." 

It's a  breakthrough. I can imagine this as a model for living in a sustainable world.  What if we applied our real estate genius to life as we know it?   What if we began at the "micro-level"  and built something that would enhance the quality of life? Healthy-built  homes in sustainable neighborhoods, for example. 

Search For Personal Genius. You Matter. I am not sure that politicians, or any institution has what's best for all of us in mind, are you?  Maybe you and I would do better to search for our own genius. I like the idea of exploring opportunities to contribute to the creative resolution of the challenges of today. I even like the idea that "blessings in disguise" appear through the mists when we struggle for the clarity. I am thinking that we can forge the way to sustainable innovation ...one.... human ...."micro-element" ....at a time.

Applied Creativity. In this model applied to  real estate-related  business, societal and economic elements both  win...  a successful  demonstration of the sound potential for Positive Futures for all of us. 
Check it out and let me know what YOU  think. 

http://www.mcdonoughpartners.com/

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(*)/'(*)   _______________________ " We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos  on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-Asheville NC Real Estate  © 2010. _____________________________________________________________________________________

What adds value in today's real estate market ? Sustainable innovation. It is in high demand!

Wondering what to look for? Over the years, we have been able to pinpoint value-added features. Here is our Sustainable Innovation Checklist --useful when buying and/or selling property...

Whether you are "eco-friendly,"  going green, or just interested in what adds value in today's real estate market,  put this checklist in your tool box.

Divided into several categories, each focuses on the features and benefits involved---31 sets of information you can use today that will count tomorrow, too. If YOU are attracted to  20+, we send you a Big (Green) Thumbs Up!

LAND USE, TRANSPORTATION, AND NEIGHBORHOOD
FEATURE                                               BENEFIT

Sense of Place                         Inspiring beauty. Healthy Living
Walkable                                 Health, environmental, and economic benefits
Pedestrian-Oriented                Walk from home to grocery stores, coffee shops, and job
Transit-Oriented (TOD)            Reduces auto transportation costs (20+ % of household expenditure)
Sustainable Land Plan             Brings together environmental, economic, and social goals
Infill Development.                  Promotes betterment of urban areas. Leaves rural areas and open spaces 
Site and Landscape                 Erosion control. Benefits- saving existing trees.

EXTERIOR- Sustainable
FEATURE                                               BENEFIT  

Tree Canopy-                          Energy Efficiency-$$ savings/Maintains natural character- sense of place
Native Landscaping                 Eliminates need for fertilizer, toxic pesticides, watering, and mowing
Appropriate Landscape          Cuts energy costs. Protects home from winter wind/summer sun.
                                               Helps control noise and air pollution.                                            

Edible Landscaping                 Fresh, delicious, healthy foods, connection with your small piece of earth
Solar Access/Orientation          Site planning creates energy efficient home designs

      Carefully positioned  trees can save 25% of a household's heating/cooling energy consumption. 

Solar Panels                           Energy Efficiency-$$ savings
Passive Solar Design               Energy efficiency. South-facing windows collect, store, and distribute solar energy.

Organic Garden/Site                No toxins. Family and neighbors' enjoyment. Sustainable relationships.
Yard as Wildlife Habitat           Fun. Relaxation. Increases appeal of property. Educational.
Permaculture Design               Fresh food and fun. Connecting more with neighbors.

Rainwater Harvesting                 Lowers water cost. Reduced topsoil loss Less strain on system.
Outdoor Living Spaces             Extends home. Family, neighbors' enjoyment. Sustainable relationships. 

Site-Harvested Materials.         Use of stone and wood at site saves time and money
Re-Used/Salvaged Materials     Avoids negative environmental impacts fossil fuel depletion, air pollutants,
                                                    ecological  toxicity, ozone depletion and saves money.
Detached Garage                    Reduces safety hazards from toxic fumes. Potential office/bonus rooms.
Reflective Roof                       Saves Money. Decreases pollution in urban areas. Increases roof life.

INTERIOR - Sustainable
FEATURE                                                       BENEFIT 

Small Footprint                       Energy efficiency. Reduced heating, cooling costs.
Advanced OVE Framing            Lower material/labor costs. Improved energy efficiency
Building Envelope                   Lower utility bills. High efficiency windows and insulation
No ductwork.                          Eliminates breeding ground for molds and other air pollutants
Excellent Insulation                Increases comfort. Decreases costs. Adds to resale value.

Energy Star® Features            Better performance. Smart investment. Environmental protection.
Daylighting                            Healthy. Minimizes artificial light. Reduces electricity costs.
Formaldehyde FREE                Air you breathe is not toxic. Environmental and cost benefits.

Low/NoVOC                            Reduces toxins. Health and environmental benefits.
HVAC System                         Higher comfort with efficiency equipment. Sealed air ducts

Renewable Resources             Replaces/replenishes in same or less time than to draw the supply down
Recycled Floors                      Beauty. Style. Saves valuable materials from landfills.
Water-saving devices              Cuts water usage and expenses by up to 50%.
No fixed carpets                     Cleaner, healthier air. Mold control.
Proper ventilation.                  Energy savings.  Allergens, pollutants moisture damage.reduced

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  Asheville NC Real Estate:  LAND and LOT EXPERTS- Going Green/ Eco-Friendly Properties.  Tools for Sellers and Buyers. Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............" We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate     Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. HOMEOWNERS' ADDED VALUE Checklist -Sustainable Innovation ©
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