UPDATE- September, 2011
NC Healthy Built Certified : 539
NC Healthy Built Certified in Progress: 244
UPDATE -June 2011
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NC Healthy Built Certified as of 05/31/11: 511 |
Over the past few years, have you noticed a change in perception about the way people choose where and how they live and what they need?
Is this a trend?
JT (see photo) has been keeping an eye out . He has noticed a change. And it does appear to be a trend!
But just to be sure, I am looking for the "proof in the pudding" so -to-speak; I'm looking at statisticsunearthed from our Mountain MLS System here in Asheville.
xo
Although putting numbers on my intuitionas a REALTOR® feels a little "dangerous"- (I don't want to lose my intuitive edge) - this search for statistics could be important for everyone our clients and for brokerage business planning.
What intuition and observation tell me:
1) I am aware of a bubbling apprehension in the Appalachians when it comes to
mountaintop removal .
2) I have witnessed some pretty noisy community meetings about such topics.
3) Then there have been the lively neighborhood charettes .
4) Time and again, I have seen community members insist on sustainable innovation.
You could say that sustainabilityis the by-word here in Asheville. So it is not surprising that my intuition, based on in-your-face observations, tells me that there is a significant public interest and shift(at least in the Asheville area) toward environmentally-sensitive residential properties.
Could there be more evidence than this, for example, (see photo) a new urban, green-built community being evaluated by members of the local community.
It's walkable. It's green. It's energy efficient and it invites neighborliness.
Photo shows green-built urban community in Asheville.
** And intuition is born out in client demand. 
As Green Byers' Brokers, with eco-savvy clients, if they are not buying NEW green-built homes, our clients are demanding green retrofits.
Here is a photo I took recently. This is an environmentally-sensitive new home. It is situated to take advantage of the sun. (Note solar panels)
This home is in West Asheville. You can walk to the bakeryfrom your front door. And, although you cannot see it, there is an organic garden to the left of this photo.
Energy efficiency is important to all our clients whether they are looking for income-producing rentals (green investor-buyers ) or for personal residences. All follow the trend toward being particularly serious about Energy Star Rated homes. Take a peek at this array! I took this photo earlier this week at a site evaluation on a Gold Certified Healthy Built Home just outside of Asheville.
We can tell our clients about NC Healthy Built Homes but, for the purposes of future planning, you may be interested in a just a couple of the most obvious features of sustainable, healthy-built homes, and some numbers on the trend.
Features:
Energy-.Energy Star appliances, florescent bulbs, high efficiency water heaters,
fifty (50) year shingles, low flow faucets and showerheads ,sealed crawl spaces, cellulose and icynene insulation, solar preheat for hot water, and oh so comfy radiant floor heat...
Low Toxicity-.Low VOC paints, Bamboo, hardwood or a natural linoleum floor that is made with 100% natural ingredients.
xo
Benefits: In the long run; sustainability- lasting value, lower environmental impact, and right now today; lower utility bills for heating and cooling, improved indoor air quality, and happier faces on family and neighbors.
STATS: CHECVKC OUT the GREEN BUILT stats! The "GREEN" proof in the pudding?
In 2006~ Asheville Area NC HealthyBuilt and/or Energy Star Rated: 39
Three years later in 2009 - There are currently 230 certified HealthyBuilt Homes and 687 "in progress"in the Greater Asheville Area in Western North Carolina. 687!!! Talk about a trend!
Two years later- UPDATE -June 2011
|
NC Healthy Built certified as of 05/31/11: 511 |
GREEN BUILT-HEALTHY BUILT TREND/STATS
39 in 2006
230 in 2009
511 in 2011
This information could well change how we look at where we stand and the direction in which will be moving in 2009 and beyond.,and maybe it will make a few people feel better knowing that this direction is not "simply intuitive"... but is based on a hard, objective look at the stats.
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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to Convivial Blogger Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG and 
__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... ............. GREEN Statistics- The "Proof in the Pudding"- Asheville Style-The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved
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__~o
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(*)/'(*) ~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~ ~ xo ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Asheville NC Real Estate Journal for Mountain Homes and Land Legacies- Asheville 1031 Realty© 2012.. Designations: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant, ePRO®. Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos and graphics on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.
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Have you noticed a change in perception about the way people choose where and how they live and what they need?
Great information, green building is the way to go and Asheville is the place to come to.
There's no doubt that going 'green' at home is no longer futuristic thinking. It is definitely here now and will only become more prevelant with the new Presidential administration.
www.energy-efficient-home-improvement.com
www.do-it-yourself-projects.info
JaneAnne What an amazing statistic!! Over 20 times the number in 3 years. Now that is Progress! This is ver encouraging info!
What an amazing statistic! Out here in AZ, so many homes were built during the boom years that were thrown up in quck fashion that newer, green homes are carrying a significantly higher value. Thank's for the heads up on what we will be facing out here.
Wonderful JeanAnne, We MUST start today to protect our precious planet or our children and grandchilren will pay the price for our wastefulness. I hope it is a trend that will grow and prosper. Happy New Year!
Arlene~
I agree with you on both points =) It is rewarding, on so many levels to live in a community such as where sustainability, "smart growth" and green principles are recognized.
I am thinking too that there are numbers of cities here in the USA and across the globe where this is happening...Chicago...for example..Houston, too. I'd like to know....
anyone care to add to this list?
DIY~
Thanks for your comment. I agree with you that , as you say, "...There's no doubt that going 'green' at home is no longer futuristic thinking...." Interesting your term "futuristic"
Ginger~
It is really exciting to live in Ashevillewhere sustainability, "smart growth" and green principles are recognized and practiced by so many folks. I love the stats. Tell me what is happening in your area of NC...
Mark~
Thanks for your comment. I notice you mentioned that in Tempe, "...green homes are carrying a significantly higher value..." Are you seeing an increase in demand for green homes as well?
It's encouraging to see "green" being utlized. We're seeing more buildings (both commercial and residential) adopting this standard in the Hilton Head area.
Impressive stats -- I'm going to try and find the info for my city and we can compare. :-)
I have thought for some time now that "green" features will ultimately become standard items incorporated into all new buildings, of all types.
It's just common sense.
For now we call common sense "green" or "innovative".
These things are simply pragmatic.
JT
Happy New Year JaneAnne - what whopping stats you bring into 2009!
It seems you have true innovators in Asheville ~ folks who are not interested in status quo or "we've done it this way for 50 years!" It's good to hear that type of progress, especially on the "regreen" side!
Cheers! Here's to another great year!
Great post! I am looking forward to seeing this trend all across our country.
I love Ashville. I also had some clients that were thinking of moving to Ashville. I will forard this post on to them.
janeAnne, this is great news! Ashville truly is leading the way in NC. How do you get the number of energy star and certified Healthy Built homes?
JaneAnne - Great blog post! You would imagine that we here in the Northwest (Washington, Oregon) would be building the "green" communities you describe. Unfortunately, I see enthusiasm for more environmentally sound building, but no-one is really doing that much of it. One reason here is the fact that our electric energy is cheap (dams not coal burning) and our climate is relatively mild. Don't even get me started on having solar panels put on a house in Seattle! You can talk yourself blue in the face about the Germans having solar power (with less sun than Seattle), but people just aren't willing to spend the money.
I am curious: how much more does a home cost with the "green features?"
Thanks for the informative and timely post!
Asheville is one epicenter in the march towards pragmatic innovation.
Thank goodness.
JT
Great information, thank you for sharing.
Marian~
You commented.." ...start today to protect our precious planet or our children and grandchildren will pay the price for our wastefulness..." Very good-point! I like the idea that here in "Green Asheville" we are leading the way.
Diane B. ~
Good to know that Hilton Head ,NC is on board with he idea of sustainable living. As you say..."...We're seeing more buildings (both commercial and residential) adopting this standard..."
Kerry~
AHA! Atlanta. I have heard that you have a green builders and home association there. You sure have some amazing neighborhoods that are so special I'd love to see them preserved. Let me know what you discover!
JT~
You made a comment that hit the nail on the head when you said, " ..."green" features will ultimately become standard items incorporated into all new buildings, of all types.It's just common sense. For now we call common sense "green" or "innovative".
Mary~ HAPPY NEW YEAR, My Friend...
I know I have heard the term, " regreen" before...I like it a lot! As you say, "...It's good to hear that type of progress, especially on the "regreen" side!"
Up there in Michigan...what is happening on the "regreen" side???
Tina~
My grandparents almost relocated to Mount Dora! It was wonderful back then...and now I am wondering if there is much in the way of "regreen" activity happening in your fair town...
Rebecca~
I know you live in a quaint and beautiful place. I hope that it will always be that way. Just the idea that Mary b rough up about "re-greening" seems to work in our small towns, don't you think?
HAPPY NEW YEAR
We work with a few local builders here in the Chicagoland area and out of maybe 4 or 5 only 1 has been putting plans out there for "green" homes.
Diane A~
Hooray for what is happening in NC...all over the state as we are seeing Green trends, as you recently reported.
I am not sure what you mean by how do we get the number(??) I can check our MLS as we have categories for this...(if that is what you mean) but I am using the stats from the WNC Healthy Built Program, too.
James~
Thanks for your comment. As for costs: Right now, in our area, we are running about 25 cents more per square foot. As demand increases (and it IS doing that)...I think we will see the disparity equalize....of course there is the value added factor for GREEN homes...the resale value increases...
John~
I just had to repeat your comment as it seems priceless: " Asheville is one epicenter in the march towards pragmatic innovation.. . .Thank goodness."
In 2006~ Asheville Area NC HealthyBuilt and/or Energy Star Rated: 39
Three years later in 2009 - There are currently 230 certified HealthyBuilt Homes and 687 "in progress"in the Greater Asheville Area in Western North Carolina. 687!!! Talk about a trend!
Hi janeAnne, Totally have seen people with a change in perspective :) This is construction raising the bar. It won't be long before the 'Green' is removed from 'green building' - It will be normal.
The most searched item on my site right now is where to recycle a Christmas Tree in Houston. Just shows that people really are making the change in over all thinking.
I can tell through your writing that Asheville is an amazing place and how passionate you are about it. As a matter of fact, my husband and I were talking about NC today. Next vacation he wants to see a beautiful side of America. Not tourism. :) I'm thinking since in all of your posts Asheville looks like a little piece of Heaven...
We'll see. It's been well over a year since we had a vacation. Maybe this year.
Hi JaneAnne ~
ReGreen is on the forefront in Michigan! While new home starts have been down folks are seeing there are so many existing homes on the market that are great bargains but are in need of a little (or a lot!) of rejuvating! ReGreen is the way to go! If you have not been introduced to the USGBC REGREEN program take a look!
This is not a certification program, rather guidelines for remodeling Green! The website has great tips and tweaks for the average home!
(I sound like a poster child, don't I? LOL!)
I have spoken with many recently who understand that they will need to wait a few years to get the price they want from their home so they are remodeling and greening..."regreening" to make their current home more comfortable, energy efficient and sustainable. More coming in the future! I have been neglecting AR!!!
Stephanie~
Good to know that Houston, TX is going Green... and I agree with you when you say, " Totally have seen people with a change in perspective :) This is construction raising the bar. It won't be long before the 'Green' is removed from 'green building' - It will be normal...."
Mary~
I am excited to see this link you provided! I am heading on over there Right now! For anyone wqho missed it...here it is: ! ReGreen is the way to go! If you have not been introduced to the USGBC REGREEN program take a look!
Will you be doing a post on reGREEN???
Everyone~
If you are interested in the reGREEN idea...Here is a great link:
» REGREEN WEBINARS
Learn to REGREEN your home with these green home renovation webinars. You can view them live or view archived versions later at your own convenience.
Jon~
Happy this information is valuable for you. Here's a bit more...
» REGREEN WEBINARS
Learn to REGREEN your home with these green home renovation webinars. You can view them live or view archived versions later at your own convenience.