"GREEN HOMES"

   The U.S. Green Building Council defines a "green home" as one that incorporates features that resultsare as follows:

Ø     Using less energy.

Ø     Using less water.

Ø     Using fewer natural resources in Construction.

Ø     Creating less waste.

Ø     Having better indoor air quality.

   The USGBC suggest the benefits of such a home include lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins.

   The USGBD says the net cost of owning LEED-certified home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home because whatever extra expense there is in installing ‘green components" is offset by savings from energy-efficient appliance.

   You don't have to build from scratch.  You can make your existing a "green".  Things are a lot easier that solar panes, fuel cells, windmills and the benefits of being on or off the grid.

   As you have the time, money and interest in the course of the routine updating of your home, you may consider some of the following possibilities;

Ø     ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS

Ø     ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORING

Ø     COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS (CFL)

Ø     ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS

Ø     TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

Ø     MORE EFFICIENT TOILETS

Ø     HOME INSULATION

   For more information about how to make a home green, see www.nahb.org/forcomsumers .

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