The Elkhart Fall Home Show held at the RV/Motorhome Hall of Fame in Elkhart was small but cozy when compared to the Spring Show.  However, it left time to talk to the different building related companies that displayed their products and services.

Garden Homes out of South Bend, Indianaadded to their standard, a higher commitment to living green. Today's home buyers want to lower their energy bills and live in healthier homes.  Garden Homes is now certified by the NAHB (National Home Builders Association) National Green Building Program, which has a flexible green rating system to fit their budgets.  For green home building that's workable, authentic and affordable, go to www.nahbgreen.org.

Also according to their literature, it's hard to go for 24 hours these days without hearing something about green - green lifestyles, green products, and green buildings.  So what does it mean to build a green house?  To homeowners, green means a water-conserving, more durable, healthier, and more energy-efficient home.  to planet Earth, green buildings mean much more.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings are responsible for:

• 39% of total energy use
• 12% of total water consumption
• 68% of total electricity consumption
• 38% of carbon dioxide emissions

By adopting green building strategies to reduce these numbers, we can maximize both economic and environmental performance.  For more information about making your next home "green" call Tim Schrock at Garden Homes, Inc at 574-532-8344.  For more information about Real Estate, Call Elkhart Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty at 574-304-7148.