What is Behind Customer Demand for Energy Efficient Homes? 
That's what a seasoned builder here in Asheville wanted to know.
"The local Green Building Council says that HealthyBuilt Homes® are leading the way in the built environment," he said.
"What would make me want to build them?"
That is a good question, and one that seems to be coming up more and more even in a challenging economy where the impact on the real estate market is significant.
Here are just three (3) "secrets" I suggested he consider:
•1. Customer demand for energy efficient homes. From Atlanta to Asheville to Santa Monica developers involved in sustainable innovation continue to enjoy.
Possibly, it's time to capitalize on the opportunity.
•2. Federal and State Tax credits, zoning allowances and other incentives
•3. Lower operating costs attract new home buyers.
In the future, should the home buyer decide to sell the home, the certificate proving that the homes that meets "green home guidelines" and is built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high-performance building strategies, adds value to the purchase.
Summing it up: Everyone wins. Eco-friendly homes create a comfortable, healthy and affordable place that reduce energy and water usage, promote renewable energy use and help protect the land where the home is built.
Resource: Green Building Council educating homeowners and building professionals on the benefits of:
- creating energy efficient buildings
- increased use of alternative energy sources
- sustainable development
- using green building materials
- decreasing use of natural resources
- preserving topsoil and trees
- reducing storm water runoff
- _____________ (fill in the blank and let me know what that is)_
- __~o
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It is great to get information from the green building council. I know more buyers are interested in going green in their homes. Here in Arizona, there are great incentives-tax credits for solar panels and hot water heaters. This weekend is a solar home tour and I am excited to check them out!
Here's my question to YOU: Would YOU prefer a healthy-built home?
Although more buyers are interested in "green building" I haven't had anyone ask me about it or care up here in Seacoast NH
Patricia
Barbie~
Good to know about tax credits for solar in AZ! That does seem appropriate, especially when I think of how much sun you have out there. Still, even in less sunny environments, solar orientation may be a benefit.
Patricia~
I have a "hunch" that this will change in the near future as more and more customers demand energy efficient buildings...and the cost savings they bring.
Janeanne, I was criticized here when working on a project that began 3 years ago for asking that it be LEED Certified. "It will ruin the ambiance." Until we get some people past this type of thinking it's an uphill climb even now.
Even buying a rug for my home was difficult. No one knew what I was talking about no matter how I phrased it. It's so popular in NYC but somehow hasn't taken off here just yet.
Hi Carole~
....uphill...yes...but/and....it feels to me that there is an upsurge in interest in sustainable innovation as evidenced by the recent addition of the NAR GREEN Designation to the advanced trainings available for REALTORS...we real estate professionals are in such a fortuitous place because we can unearth treasures for our clients just by telling them about when the value of amenities such as energy efficient appliances that they can translate into dollar savings...
keep up your excellent work!!! and this one's for you...
Hi JaneAnne~ to answer your question, yes, I WOULD prefer a NC Healthy Built Home...
....and to fill in the blank...less energy and water consumption...
What you may not know is homes in the US consume and estimated 22% of the energy used in the US and 74% of the water...I have checked out NC Healthy Homes guidelines and they would help reduce this...
Just think if all homes were built that way! Whew! A future for my great grandkids!!!
Mary~
Good point about the future for generations to come...and this building is sustainable...