Living Green on the Front Range
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Green Homes Make Sense: Some Compelling Info |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 02 2008 at 4:28 PM |
Good current data on green homes is sometimes hard to find, but here are some compelling facts and data about why homes buyers (and sellers!) need to be thinking green:
- A 2007 survey by the National Association of Home Buiders (NAHB) found that customer satisfaction is extremely high among new green homebuyers, with 85% saying they are more satisfied with their green home than their previous, more traditionally built home.
- 63% of green homeowners reported lower operating and maintenance costs as the key motivation behind buying a greener home. Additionally, nearly 50% said they were motivated by health and environmental concerns.
- Specific to health, according to the US EPA, asthma is the most common serious chronic disease of childhood and the third-ranking cause of hospitalizations among children under 15. Common triggers of asthma (eliminated or significantly reduced in green homes) include PVC, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are found throughout traditional homes in paints and stains, glues, insulation, and cabinetry as well as other items.
- In new homes, there is a substantial cost to not building green, in the form of higher utility costs, higher maintenance costs, and more frequent replacement of less durable materials. As an example, the average US household spent $1,680 on energy in 2004. An energy-efficient green new home today can save 40%, or even 60% on energy. At that 40% level, that is an average of $672 annually.
- Green remodeling projects are on the rise. About 40% of those who recently completed home remodeling or renovation work in their homes reported that they used green products or materials.
- In 2003 (the most recent data available) with the help of energy efficient technologies, Americans saved over $8 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 18 million vehicles. These benefits have helped develop a growing market for energy efficient, green products.
Interestingly, when looking at the biggest obstacle to green homes gaining ground faster, that 2007 NAHB study found education as the greatest hurdle homeowners must overcome. This makes a strong argument for working with a real estate agent who really understands green homes--whether you are a buyer or seller.
When you think of real estate, please think of The Green Team. We're the local group best educated in the energy and environmental concerns that consumers care most about today and we're always prepared to help you understand the new options available in technologies and building materials or able to connect you to the experts.
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