Article as published in The San Diego Realtor® magazine, pages 28-30.
By Regina P. Brown
Part 1 of 3
We’re back again this month with the decade’s hottest topic, GREEN living. We’ve learned to recycle, right? Everyone’s talking about renewable energy. Clients want to know about tax rebates for appliances. Even HGTV jumped on board by showcasing a green home in 2010.
Years ago, a home with no utility bills was generally rural property “off the grid”. At that time, we never could have imagined an off-the-grid home in a regular suburban tract neighborhood. But then again, we never would have dreamed how high utility bills could soar, either!
Lower utility bills is just one advantage of going green. Other green home benefits may include: superior air quality, tax benefits or credits, relief from allergies or asthma, and a year-round comfortable climate. A positive contribution to the environment is always a feel-good feature too. And yes, homes with substantial GREEN features can be more valuable when selling!
Advertising Green Features
“Experience has shown that green properties sell for more than comparable properties without green features or certifications,” according to Kevin Hauber, the past president of SLO Green Build and board member for SEA Change (Strategic Energy Alliance for Change).
“Many buyers are interested in green features and energy efficiency. Green Features SHOULD be considered along with other attributes of homes in the decision making process,” says Richard Watkins, Ph.D. “It should be easy for buyers to satisfy those interests and make wise decisions that help to create increased value for green homes,” which is why Watkins urges Realtors® to list a home’s GREEN features in the MLS. Licensed since 1985, and a broker since 1987, he has been actively involved in efforts to bring more “green” to real estate since 2007.
Hauber, a real estate professional who advocates green homes, says, “It is important that Realtors® become familiar with the green features of properties in their markets and make that data available in the MLS both for buyers and to help track the effect on value. The data provided in the MLS is important particularly for appraisers in determining those value differentials.” In other words, if your seller’s house is more valuable because of GREEN features, be sure to list those features in the MLS. It may help justify a higher appraisal value.
Hauber and Watkins saw the value of energy-efficient sustainable homes: they recently created a task force and added a “green features” section in their MLS. Being proactive helps sellers promote their sustainable features; and it assists buyers seeking eco-conscious homes.
Industry Terms
As Realtors® we are always on the cutting edge of new technology and housing upgrades, and what better way to prove our value than to know about sustainable features. To start off, let’s first review the many terms being circulated. What do all those other terms really mean?
Green
Does green mean it’s green? Not really. “Green” or GREEN homes refer to housing that use less water, energy, and materials and minimize the environmental impact and improve human health. These buildings generate less air pollution and reduce the burning of fossil fuels so they generate less air pollution. Going “green” can refer to any or all of the terms below.
Eco-Conscious / Eco-Friendly / Nature Friendly
Being aware of, and reducing the impact on, ecological resources. Concern about environmental responsibility and planning ahead to reduce harm on the environment and natural ecosystems. This includes wildlife, landscape, and natural habitats.
Energy-saving / Energy efficient
Products that reduce consumption from existing power sources. It may include products which are modified to save energy, as well as newly manufactured products designed specifically for energy savings. Refer to the section, “Rating Types”.
Sustainable
Sustainable properties are inclusive, self-sufficient homes and land that account for all of their own needs without drawing resources from others. “Sustainable development… meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” according to the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations report issued March 20, 1987. The sustainable movement has picked up speed amongst global leaders with the common goal of global self-sufficiency, beginning in every community worldwide.
Architectural Styles
New eco-friendly homes are being built that embrace comfort and convenience while incorporating recycled or green products at an affordable cost. Homes may also incorporate solar greenhouses for gardening, and cellars (food pantries naturally cooled by the earth). Families who want to “live lightly” and conserve resources while still being cozy can select from several architectural design plans below.
EarthShip
A self-sustainable hip home, EarthShip begins with old tires stacked like bricks, then transformed into earth walls. The design boasts a wall of windows to welcome daylight and create an indoor garden. Passive solar provides energy while saving utility bills. Ecology-saving plumbing features include roof water catchment, composting toilets, and greywater.
Geodesic Dome
As a kid, remember using wooden sticks and round pegs to build a sphere? A geodesic dome home is the same concept: hexagons, pentagons, and triangles form a rigid dome-shaped building exterior. It’s stronger than traditional construction because the stress points are distributed evenly across the structure. Home builders can even buy a dome home kit and assemble it themselves. Sort of like when you were a kid, but much more exciting!
Round House
Circular style homes, although octagonal rather than perfectly curved, are becoming more popular in rural areas. They function much like a traditional home, but are built from a factory kit, so the construction can include green building materials. The rounded design protects against strong winds, and the enormous windows offer sunlight and passive solar energy.
Earth Sheltered / Earth Bermed
“Earth bermed” is a home above grade, with earth built up against an exterior wall. A home built underground, with 3 side walls and the roof buried, is called “earth sheltered”. The dirt wall nestled against the building is a natural insulator that regulates the home’s temperate to ensure a moderate interior climate year-round. Earth walls increase privacy, reduce noise, and ensure that the house won’t freeze even in the winter! Bermed homes are landscaped to blend in with the surrounding environment. They may feature an atrium entrance with glass walls and living roof with plants growing on it.
Renewable Energy
Energy that is produced naturally and abundantly in nature includes wind, sunlight, and geothermal heat. Forces of nature such as waves, tides, and rain can also be harnessed for energy output. Energy typically used in a home includes electricity, hot water heater, and furnace/heaters. Renewal energy can generate enough alternative power to fuel all of these outputs.
Fuel Cell
Fuel cells are a source of clean fuel that yields zero emissions by converting chemical energy from hydrogen to electrical energy. Look for substantial future developments in this area of science as technology increases the capability of fuel cells.
Geothermal Heat
Geothermal heat is created with pipes that go deep underground to capture the earth’s natural heat (or coldness) and route that into a home. Fluid is pumped through pipes to keep the heat (or coldness) flowing up to the surface.
Photovoltaic / Solar panel
Photovoltaic cells (PV) harness the power of sunlight to generate electricity from solar panels, frequently installed on the roof. Newer types are lighter and more efficient. Homeowners may realize substantially less expensive power bills, and also benefit from tax credits.
Wind power
Tall turbines capture the wind and convert the kinetic energy into mechanical power. A “wind farm” full of turbines can generate enough electricity to power entire cities. Small stand-alone turbines (modern version of the classic wind mill) are used for tasks such as pumping water or grinding grain. AKA Wind energy or Wind generated power.
Rating Types
As the housing industry evolved to embrace the environmental movement, certifications and ratings have popped up. Here’s a guide to help you decipher the industry ratings that may be applied to a house.
BPI Rating
Building Performance Institute (BPI) is an organization that cultivates high standards in energy efficiency for home renovations. They train and certify GREEN workers who follow protocol for high performance. BPI certified professionals contribute to improving the health, comfort, durability, safety, and energy efficiency of houses. BPI standards are even required for some State-run energy efficient and weatherization assistance programs.
BuildIt Green Certified
BuildIt Green is a nonprofit that increases awareness and adoption of green building practices. They promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices through outreach and education. BuildIt Green provides a brand, GreenPoint Rated, to help consumers choose authentic green products and offers a GREEN training program for real estate agents.
Energy Star Qualified
Appliances verified as Energy Star must be at least 15% more energy efficient and incorporate additional energy-saving features that are 20–30% more efficient than standard homes. The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) sets the guidelines. Houses can also earn the blue Energy Star label if they meet the EPA guidelines. Features include efficient walls, windows, air ducts, heating equipment, lights, and appliances.
HERS Rated
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index measures a house’s energy efficiency by using a formula to calculate its energy performance. The HERS system is nationally recognized and regarded as the industry standard report. A certified rater assesses the home’s energy efficiency and assigns a performance score. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home.
“When you're selling your home, a low HERS Index Score can command a higher resale price. And when you’re buying a home you can anticipate the costs of energy bills and efficiency upgrades,” according to RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network. The HERS index guide is listed at www.resnet.us/hers-index.
Indoor airPLUS
This label, created by the EPA, applies to qualifying Energy Star homes that contain 60 additional construction and design features to protect home owners from mold, toxic chemicals, pests, radon, and other airborne pollutants. The Indoor airPLUS standard is the most stringent of all specifications.
LEED Certified
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification is recognized as the leading industry standard for building energy efficient homes. Buildings must incorporate green practices and building strategies to earn various ratings of certification.
WaterSense®
High quality products that save water can earn the WaterSense® label from the EPA. These plumbing materials are highly efficient and save at least 20% more water. The WaterSense® label makes it simple for home owners to select environmentally friendly products when remodeling their homes.
Conclusion
Distinguish your brand in the marketplace and establish skills in this profitable niche by getting qualified as an eco-friendly professional. If you enjoy leading the pack and recognize the long-term value of green knowledge, consider earning a GREEN designation from the National Association of Realtors®. Find out more at www.realtor.org/designations-and-certifications/green and join the top agents who are “riding the wave” into tomorrow’s leading edge green industry.
Can you imagine a sustainable world where homes reflect our vibrant, healthy lifestyles? If so, you can be part of the future by showing home sellers and homeowners the benefits of going green. You can be a resource to home buyers concerned about minimizing their “footprint” on the earth, and help protect our precious natural resources.
Stay tuned next month as we define the hottest green trends in walls, flooring, ceilings and attics, fixtures, appliances, windows, lighting, water, sewer, electric, fireplace, roof, and landscaping.
Pinned photos on http://www.pinterest.com/realtyproacadem/green-home-features/
Read more in our "Learn the Lingo" series:
1) Backyard & Outdoor Structures: Learn the Lingo
2) View From the Windows: Learn the Lingo
3) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 1
4) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 2
5) Learn the Lingo: Luxury Bathrooms
6) Learn the Lingo: Fences & Gates
7) Learn the Lingo: Vintage Features of Historic Homes
8) The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home Can Be Gourmet
9) The Gourmet Kitchen: Everything and the Kitchen Sink
10) Open the Door of Possibilities (Exterior Doors)
11) The Difference a Good Door Makes (Interior Doors)
12) Tiles
13) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 1)
14) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 2)
15) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 3)
16) Roof Architecture – Don’t Let it Go ‘Over Your Head’
17) Let There Be Light Fixtures ... And There Are Many!
18) A Discussion of Ceilings Will Have You Looking Up
19) Fireplaces: Literally the Hearth of the Home
20) Learn the Lingo of Walls
21) Apply Your Knowledge to Major Appliances
22) Don't Be Floored By this Topic: It's Right Under Your Feet
23) HVAC / Mechanical Lingo
24) Rural Properties - A Sustainable Life "Off the Grid"
25) Land Usage, and Showing & Selling Rural Properties
26) The Dramatic Effect of Stairs and Staircases - A Flight of Fancy?
27) Electrical Components - Get Wired for Understanding
28) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 1 of 2)
29) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 2 of 2)
30) Swimming Pool and Spa Lingo
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