It seems to me that if you want to be truly green, you would want to take an existing building and remodel. You would be reusing land space and much of the original materials in the building. Everything new that you put in would be recycled or sustainable materials and most of what you tear out would be reused somewhere else or recycled. If one is going to build anyway than of course you have to be responsible, but the key words are reduce, re-use and recycle. Don't pass by a perfecty good house because it does not have "green features". Talk to a local contractor and work together for a better world.
Redesign is a concept that reuses and repurposes, making the process easy on the pocketbook and easy on the environment. I agree, Kathy, that many existing houses/buildings can be improved with green products and practices. As a professional stager, I've learned that only a small portion of the population can envision a space differently than they see it sitting in front of them. Some of my most rewarding projects have been working with "flippers" to draw all the potential out of a very challenging building or working with homeowners to make the best of the space they're in with changes that they never would have thought of. I'm not a Realtor but if I was...I'd love being able to show the potential of a home to potential buyers. A perfect home could be right in front of them and they may not see it!
I agree Kathy, especially with all of the beautiful historic homes in Corvallis & Albany. How wonderful would it be to have a home built in the early 1900's and have it green?? Great post!
I had the pleasure of viewing this home in PDX this week. It had been remodeled and has now obtained platinum LEED certification - an incredible project using reclaimed products. If you have a chance, go see it - you would be impressed! I love the innovative and sustainable living ideas.
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