As REALTORS®, we have a tremendous responsibility and opportunity to educate the public about how to operate a home so it is energy and resource efficient. We really need to take green courses so we can catch up with the public and be able to fulfill our professional obligations. Armed with this knowledge we can learn how to communicate with certain buyers who are very conscious of green practices, energy efficiency, and reducing toxins. I am currently going through the on line RE/MAX Satellite training for "NAR Green Designation". While taking the course, I found the following statistics very alarming:
"According to "U.S. Green Building Council", in the USA alone, buildings account for: 70% of electricity, 39% of all energy use, 39% of all (CO2) emissions, 40% of raw materials use, 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and 12% of potable water"
The quick and easy home fixes below have helped me change the way I live. It will shrink your carbon footprint and your monthly bills:
1- Switch the lights: Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs. Replace them in highly used fixtures such as porch lights, bathroom vanities and office lamps. Turn the lights off when not in use.
2- Eliminate Phantom Load Energy Use: A "phantom load" which accounts for 15% of household electricity is the energy that's sapped by stand by appliances. Use power strips for home office (computer, printer), home entertainment center (TV, DVD player, and stereo), and cell phone chargers.
3- Tune up HVAC system and Install a programmable thermostat
4- Save water:By placing an aerator on all household faucets you can cut your annual water consumption by 50%. Install low-flow toilet which uses 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to 3.5 gallons per flush for pre-1994 models. If you have an older model, adjust your float valve to admit less water into the toilet's tank. Behavioral changes will also help: using a broom instead of the garden hose to clean your driveway can save 80 gallons of water and turning the water off when you brush your teeth will save 4.5 gallons each time.
5- Cool it. Turn the water temperature for your washing machine or dishwasher down to 120º F to cut water-heating energy consumption.
6- Seal it. Search for hidden air leaks in around window seals, your attic, basement or crawl space, and seal them with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. Home sealing can be an inexpensive way to cut energy consumption by up to 10 percent. Insulate the hot water heater and conduct an energy audit.
7- Rate it. Look for Energy Star-rated products. Take advantage of tax incentives to update your appliances. Use solar water heater if possible.
8- Use healthier house material:When remodeling, select healthier green products like windows, HVAC unit, doors, plumbing, siding, roofing, flooring, and cabinets.
9- Recycle, Recycle, Recycle:
10- Add one meatless meal per week.
11- Buy used when you can.
12- Save a tree, use less paper: Reuse paper if possible
13- Plant a rain garden
I am also taking steps to turn our office to a Green Office. Please share your thoughts with me so we can keep this subject alive.
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