Building green homes has become popular in the past few years. It is much more than a trend. The increase of energy costs combined with the gloomy forecast for global warming has made it imperative to many to change the way we build our homes and commercial buildings. The hallmark of green homes and commercial buildings is having lower than average levels of carbon emissions and environmental impact.
You can control the greenness of your building project in many ways. Use recycled building materials. Install low flow shower heads and toilets. Use lumber that is not from old growth timber and has been tracked from the source. Use super-efficient windows, doors and skylights with double or triple-panes and low E-coatings. Use carpets or flooring made from natural materials. Use low-odor paints. Recycle building debris. Buy locally made building materials where possible.
An important step in making a building project green is cutting the use of fossil fuels. Instead of installing traditional gas or oil heating and cooling systems, solar systems, geothermal, biomass and wind technologies will qualify for the energy tax credit. Either homeowner or builder can qualify for this credit.
One of the qualities of a green community is the use of mass transit and walkable communities where essential services and shopping are located within a short distance. The term LOHAS, lifestyles of the health and sustainability consumer, is one that refers to green communities where environmental sustainability is put into the mix with social and economic concerns.
On the financial side, besides the availability of the energy tax credit for renewable forms of heating and cooling, energy efficient mortgages (EEM) may also be available. Green mortgages are available to home buyers who purchase green homes. These mortgages are based on the energy savings in the home which is turned into income for the home owner. Consumers who qualify for a green mortgage may be able to purchase more home as a result of the savings.
Look for LEED accredited designers and builders when renovating your home to green building standards. It provides assurances that the architect or builder involved has studied green building practices and is qualified to meet the guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED building certification program is a rating system for environmental sustainability. Buildings are rated on their energy efficiency and consumption, environmentally friendly features and the use of local supplies to cut transport costs and energy use to the job site.
