1. Developing land and building sites in a responsible, earth friendly manner
2. Reducing energy usage and its harmful atmospheric impacts
3. Conserving water and natural resources
4. Improving indoor air quality to provide a healthy home/work environment. 

All of this may sound good but is it expensive? Not really or at least it doesn’t have to be. In fact the whole green movement is based on the principal of “People, Planet and Profit” It has to benefit us, our planet and, at the same time, provide an economic benefit. If we get no return on our investment (ROI), then we probably cannot afford to invest in green measures. The golden ROI is a three to five years payback period. This payback usually results from reduced utility costs or tax incentives. For commercial and corporate enterprises, the payback period may be longer and the benefits not so easily calculated (e.g. employee retention).

For new home buyers, choosing a green home is easy. Simply buy (or build) a new home that has been certified under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program from the US Green Building Council or under the National Home Builders Association’s Earthcraft program. As a minimum, insist on an Energy Star rating or construction meeting the National Green Building Standards (ICC 700-2008). 

For business, look for properties with LEED or Energy Star certification. 

Green improvements to existing homes and offices is trickier and we will address those future blogs

Yes, we should all do our part in preserving natural resources and reducing global warming but the compelling reason is not a “feel good” one, it is an economic one. 

There is already a massive inventory of homes on the market and it will only get worse now that the boomers are downsizing and financing becomes tougher. In addition, any homes that are being built today must meet new stringent energy codes and a growing number are winning Energy Star, Earth Craft and LEED certification. If you, as a home buyer, found several homes that  met your living needs and price range but one that also came with a guarantee  that its yearly energy costs would not exceed $60.00/month, which home would you want?

If you plan on selling your house within 5 years, now is the time to make energy saving renovations so that the costs can be recouped before you sell. When it comes time to sell, your home  will stand out and offer a compelling reason to buy. If you are buying new, look for a home that is Earth Craft, LEED or Energy Star certified. Yes, it may cost a little more but any increased mortgage payment will be more than offset by lower utility bills. If you want to build a home, select an architect/designer and a builder who are accredited by any of the above programs and are current in the latest energy codes and construction methods. 

Lastly, remember that the green movement in construction, also called sustainable design, is not a fad that may pass if energy costs go down. It is the building wave of the future and is supported by three principals that will ensure its longevity: planet, people and profit. A successful sustainable building benefits the planet by conservation of energy and natural resources, provides a clean, healthy environment for its people and, at the same time, provides an economic benefit, a profit, for its owners and developers. It’s really a no brainer. 

Follow on blogs will deal with green “how to”, starting with rehab low hanging fruit.