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Dallas TX is Building Green

By Donna Harris

Real Estate Agent with Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com 0480809

July 15, 2008 07:46 AM

Green Dallas...building a greener city

The City of Dallas has been going Green through many initiatives. The most important is that Dallas, TX now has new building standards and they are Green, and we're talking both commercial and residential buildings.

"Dallas is the number one municipal purchaser of renewable power in the nation, boasts the largest clean vehicle fleet of any city in Texas, and is the only pilot city chosen for the EPA's Sustainable Skylines Initiative aimed at improving air quality."

You can't get much Greener than that these days, though there are still improvements to be made. If you would like further information about Dallas going Green, you can go to their website.

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Stanton Homes

Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC

Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Donna - what are some of the biggest features you're seeing in new homes today that weren't there 5 years ago? Good to see movement in a direction that will protect air and water quality (and reduce those darn energy bills!)

Jul 15, 2008 08:50 AM

Donna Harris

Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX

Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

Penny, There actually aren't too many differences between 5 years ago and today. The Green initiative for Dallas doesn't really even take full effect until 2011. They are reducing the toilets from 1.6 gallons down to 1.3 gallons. Faucets and showerheads can only flow at a rate of 2 gallons a minute. Drip irrigation systems will be put in landscaping flowerbeds instead of the 18" tall sprinkler heads that usually just mist over the bushes and do no good with getting the actual roots any moisture. One city in our area has a building code that all new homes must be built with the radiant barrier into the roof to help with energy costs.

Are there changes in your area?

Jul 15, 2008 10:49 AM

Greg Nino

RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX

Houston, Texas

Man, I thought for sure Houston was leading the nation when it came to green.

Jul 15, 2008 03:00 PM

Donna Harris

Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX

Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

Greg, Nope, according to the website, Dallas has the strictest new building codes in place, and are ready to impliment them all. Maybe if Houston cleaned up their air a little more, the humidity wouldn't be so horrible and I might be able to step foot in the city again, but until then, I can't go near Houstin with my migraines.

Jul 16, 2008 01:49 AM

Greg Nino

RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX

Houston, Texas

We are definitely 2 differnt types of cities.

Jul 16, 2008 03:08 AM

Stanton Homes

Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC

Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Donna - there are a few building code changes, but definitely many custom builders in the area actively working towards green building. I think it will take a little while for the cities to catch up.

Jul 16, 2008 11:18 PM