Montford Neighborhood -What Lasts (part 2)
Asheville Green Real Estate Conversation…
Asheville Real Estate Journal
The Scene: Asheville's Montford neighborhood- a balmy evening- and the sound of an eco-friendly conversation from the back porch overlooking one of the Montford Neighbohood's parks. . .(see photo)
David Tuch , VP Equinox Environmental, and Marcus Renner former President of the Green Building Council here in Asheville and Sustainability Consultant...on the nature of autnetic green building/development...and What Lasts...
Eco-Friendly is Trendy
David: What we have seen in the development community is the recognition from developers that green development is extremely marketable. So to take advantage of this opportunity in the real estate market, developers and others in real estate are advertising properties as “the most environmentally sensitive development in WNC” or just simply the “the greenest development”. But when you really examine many of these project there is not much behind these statements that really support the marketing campaign.
Sustainable Development
[Unlike what we see here in the Montford Neighborhood]...the problem is that some developers just are not really all that interested in [What Lasts]..creating a green developments… [so] theWNC Green Building Council is in the process of developing standards for developments similar to the HealthyBuilt Homes program that will truly be able to label a development as ecologically sensitive, sustainable or green.
janeAnne: An example of "What Lasts" certainly is the Montford Neighborhood ..it is walkable, has a multigenerational appeal, and we are seeing wonderful true green removations happening !
Greenwashing
Marcus: I have heard that “green” is the new “black” which means it is fashionable. And as with fashion, there are going to be knockoffs and misinformation. I have seen misinformation first hand at the national retailer Home Depot … all the refrigerators in this display consumed the MOST energy. I could imagine that an unwary customer may trust HD and the big green sign and not take the time to read the energy guide inside.
I think there are two ways to combat green washing; first- quality third party verified certification programs, such as NC HBH, LEED, Energy Star etc. and second- consumer/retailer/sales etc. education. After cooling down at the refrigerators (pun intended) I went to “customer service” and mentioned that I thought there may be a case of greenwashing. I was told, and I quote- “oh yea, they don’t know much about that back there. (appliance dept)” and that was it. It took them a few weeks to switch the fridges. Where else does this happen?
janeAnne: Good Question!
When it comes to true green real estate here in Asheville and sustainable practices, I recommend our very own Montford Neighborhood...so much is happening in this neighborhood...I love seeing the green renovations and the new green-built homes are arriving on the scene...
Asheville Green Real Estate- Monford Neighborhood- MORE INFO:
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