Home : Blogs : Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor : Do the Right Thing.

Green Perfectionism

Green Perfectionism and editorial comment

The green movement has been going for along time now. The recent up surg has been a healthy push forward for the ideas that have been around for awhile. Maybe it's a generational thing, each generation needs to think it's improving the situation - I don't know. It maybe a healthy thing for the environment to push the proverbial envelope.

Have you noticed that no matter what you read, no matter how much research you do there is always a better method or idea on the horizon? For about two years I worked with and helped a local home builder plan a new subsidiary company to one he had started 40 years prior. His educational and intellectual back ground was environmental. Our plan and accomplishment was to develop three or four floor plans that were energy efficient at a moderate price. We would become the big box store, easy shopping for anybody who wanted a green, energy efficient home. The idea was to educate the public while providing an affordable alternative to the run of the mill housing. Sounds like a good idea doesn't?

The model home opened, ads were placed on radio and in print. The affordable energy efficient house for Southern Colorado was open to the public. But no matter how hard we tried to educate and yes, sell these houses we mostly failed.

We failed for a few reasons.

1) Real estate sales in general slumped
2) The public wasn't interested in a new idea. They wanted square footage for the money not energy efficiency.
3) The public thought (and may have known) more than we did about what they wanted.
4) The people who were interested in this type home wanted and could afford a custom house

Recently I had occasion to meet a local home builder. She builds I.C.F. homes and on a fluke she had her homes HERS rated. She was amazed at her accidental scores. But unfortunately, due to the current market she no longer builds. During our conversation we both commented on the same thing. Colorado is a very progressive state, forward thinking if you will. People here have been building Earth Ships here for years. Remember Dennis Weavers recycled can house? But while other states or pockets of areas seem to be thriving on all the "new" technology Coloradans seem to be stagnating. Usually, conversations with somebody hoping to build or a home builder seemed to end up an argument about what is the "best" way to go. Is an organic solution better than a technological one? Passive or Active Solar? ICF or tilt up? On demand hot water or solar tanks? Electric or gas? Solar or geothermal? The ideas and arguments were and still are endless.

I'm finding that all the technology and education going on during this current version of the green movement is stifling people. They are afraid to move forward with their plans because something may change tomorrow. Is the conclusion they make today going to be the right one for tomorrow?

My only conclusion to this issue is to try to keep up with my education, help where I can and proceed forward when I can. The groups on Active Rain like the Eco All Stars are terrific to continue the green education.

Are we all Green Snobs?

What is the perfect "green" answer?

Posted by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor on 12/04/2007 11:50 PM

Comments (28)

environment, colorado

Originally posted at: Do the Right Thing. : Green Perfectionism

This post has been included in Colorado Information Pueblo County, CO Information Pueblo, CO Information

28 Comments on Green Perfectionism

DEC

2007

The key to selling green is that it needs to be cost effective. While some people can afford to buck up and pay a premium for going green, many can't afford the upfront cost with the hope of a future payback. Also, I've noticed that some builders charge way more than is justified for certain green features such as a high efficiency furnace. I sold one new construction where the builder wanted an extra $3000.00 to upgrade to a 90+ furnace. I know that the unit isn't that much more and the installation isn't that much more either. The builder was just trying to make an extra buck (or 1500).

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

DEC

2007

Bob, valid point. That is what we were trying to do. In Pueblo the average house is $129K. The houses I represented were between $150K and $175K with a HERS rating of 92 or better. These were still well within the reach of many peoples budget. The people who wanted such a home were willing to pay more, much more for a custom house. I sold two of these houses after tweaking them to custom status. But EVERY one who walked into the model had their own ideas of how it should be done. Is green an infinate subject?

Someone just shared with me today that their friend is starting a green lawn service. Push blade (old fashioned) mowers with no engine, hand trimmers, etc. No gas anything. I thought the idea was novel.

Hey Dena, I still think there is a LOT of room for education. I believe some people may hesitate due to cost, or market..but many still just don't know what it is all about. Yes, I do think green is an infinite subject...like everything else-we can't please everyone. :) I would love to see photos of the homes you sold!

Chris, and great exercises

Stephanie, believe it or not I don't have pictures. I'll work on getting some.

Dena, I think it is coming, although slowly. After my presentation last week someone approached me to ask about eco-friendly homes and if I had any knowledge of it and was delighted that I have some. I am highly allergic to chemicals and so was she....people I believe are still learning and hopefully we can better educate them.

Dena, I would think that Green Buildings will start to become more attractive in the very near future is if we do not see a turn around in energy cost soon.

Dena - Now that George Bush has installed a wind turbine in Maine, more people might take notice. I sure hope so. This country needs to do something fast.

Dena - you raise interesting points about what we are doing to the consumers! As americans we always have so many choices. Just like choosing salad dressing at the store - 42 varieties and as many brand names. Sometimes it is hard to decipher what is the best option.

Isn't it funny how we have developed into such a wasteful society and that is the "norm." When some truly good medicine comes around we fight it, or "do nothing." That is what I like about your "do the right thing" attitude. I don't think there is a "perfect" green answer. I think some products will fit into a person's lifestyle, tastes better than others. By choosing one, for whatever the personal reasons, rather than doing nothing it will impact lifestyles in positive ways. Great thought provoking post with good information! Thank you!

ps. I love Chris' friends landscaping company idea! Isn't that great!

Dena, people are penny wise and pound foolish. They want to see the bank for their buck NOW, not in energy savings over a period of time. Its unfortunate because at some point the masses are going to have to embrace green building, if they want to live in a house.

DEC

2007

Dena~

I just got my copy of Ecostructure Magazine...one of my faves...It's all about Chicago and all about "green"...I think that the idea of sustainable innovation is about to go (if it already hasn't gone) mainstream, and that popular demand will rule...all we have to do as real estate professionals and clients is keep up with the latest info...and that is a fun thing to do..

I was building green houses twenty years ago. Couldn't sell them as green because no one, especially realtors, could see the difference between what I built and the one down the street of the same size that was just thrown together. At least today, realtors are beginning to understand the value of going green.

Thank you all for your comments. I'm surprised and impatient at the slow pace the green housing market is taking. It looks like it's moving at the speed of light - but not so really.

Dena - great post - indeed, we need to finally start moving forward on the green issue! This is something we started way back in the 60's and it is just getting across the board recognition - talk about a long time comin'!!!!

DEC

2007

Dena -- I have been thinking about this a lot. I can only think that the buyers often ask "what is in it for me"? Perhaps with the high energy prices -- this may be a way to begin a dialogue. In New Hampshire many of the builders don't see any advantage of building Green -- so we have quite a challenge.

DEC

2007

Your post is very thought provoking. How do we get the public to look for green solutions and be willing to pay for them? Showing the long term consequences (global warming) scares them but they are still paralyzed and do little to stem their use it up or throw it away attitude. I guess it will have to be an economic payback or tax incentive to finally get them to move in the green direction.

Dena- I'm just checking back to update myself on comments that you have received...and you have received quite a few! I would like to address Joan Whitebook's comment and offer a suggestion...

Joan - not only are energy prices high in people's minds right now but another truly viable approach is the health aspects green homes provides. So many are being made sick by their homes -- poor indoor air quality, VOC's leaking into the air, even in new homes, mold, radon and more...

Health issues, insurance issues, copays are rampant right now. What if one could provide a healthier living environment that would cut down on allergies and asthma...not to mention daylighting for better focus? There are many ways to approach this beast! Good thought provoking post!

DEC

2007

It's hard to say there is a "perfect answer" I suppose the best we can do is what our hearts and conscience tell us to do. But we can't be so afraid of making a decision that we don't do anything.

DEC

2007

Gena - I think because we are living in a world where things change so quickly many people don't want to be the first to buy the green houses, they would rather wait to see what other new technology will evolve. The cost fact is also a consideration. I do think it will eventually take off in a big way because of both the health and energy benefits.

DEC

2007

Hi Dena:

This was a thought provoking post. Americans are the ultimate consumers and we might get a clue to when they will start going green by looking at how other products with constant improvements are marketed in the country, think electronics(televisions, cell phones, dvd recorders, gps, etc) and computers. There will always be people who will buy the newest and latest product on the market. Then slowly when products have been out for a while and prices start to drop a bit, more people start to buy. I think when we see prices dropping for a variety of green features then alot more folks will jump in and buy green. There also is the "my neighbor has one and I like it" factor. As more folks see and hear about existing green features in homes the more willing they be to buy. At least thats my take!

DEC

2007

I am marketing the first "Green Built Certified" home in Ridgway River Park Subdivision as we speak. It is my first dip into the pool. I must confess I had my reservations about a built green home. After spending time researching it and taking the green built course through Van-ed, I am a total believer. These homes, normally, are just built better. We are having a broker open house tomorrow afternoon and I look forward to pointing out some of the amazing features.

I agree with most comments. It will take time to convert the old guard, as I was one, to the idea that "green" doesn't mean aluminum cans in your walls. By the way, Dennis Weaver's place here in town is an absolutely beautiful example of how building Eco-friendly can still be a show stopper. Thanks for your dedication Dena.

Floyd, This isn't about the subject at hand. I just haven't seen anyone from Ridgway on here befor. I have a daughter and three grandchildren who live in Ridgway. I know the area well.

Really, this is about educating people and opening eyes. What we see is perspective.

Dena,

Anything new usually meets resistance from the general public. What we here at AR green housing forum are doing is a great step forward for the concept. It's a long road and we have to stay with it to make it succeed one day. The public has to be brought up to speed on this. Good thoughts.

DEC

2007

Dena, I thought about your marketing of these homes and it occurred to me that the term "Green" is becoming just another sales term, like "New & Improved". The American public gets wary of the catch phrases of the day. "Green" in my opinion is now dead. Sorry to be a downer for you and all the others in this line that love the term. The American public will see that more energy efficient homes will save them money, but only if it costs about the same as a less efficient home. The environment is not on the minds of home buyers when they are shelling out their hard earned pay.

I do believe that a marketing plan that would show how much someone could save after purchasing one of these "Green" homes would do much better than pushing the carbon footprint rhetoric that seems to be all the rage with the people that haven't really looked into exactly what causes Global warming. Appealing to peoples selfish interests will sell more homes than appealing to their global interests. I want us, the USA, and all the world to use less oil and fossil fuels, but not for the GW reasons, but to keep the economy rolling untill we can start using nuclear power and long life battery powered vehicles, that in my opinion will be what this country will rely on in the next 20 to 40 years.

For anyone that would like to know more about the real causes of GW or "Climate Change" please feel free to go to my blog, I have a little info for you.

DEC

2007

Thomas, thank you for such an insightful comment. You may have given me an idea for a new post!

Your welcome, I hope I didn't come across as too much of a party pooper.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?