The aim of green architecture and construction is to help us be good stewards of the land. The ultimate goal is to be carbon neutral, meaning the home consumes as much carbon during its lifetime as the carbon released during its construction.
Green homes use less energy, water and natural resources. They create less waste and are healthier and more comfortable for the occupants than homes built otherwise. To accomplish this, architects and builders focus on two main elements: design and materials, with materials being divided into sustainable, recyclable and local.
Design typically costs no more than a non-green home, and often an effective green design leads to the greatest cost savings. Conversely, materials are often more costly due to low demand, more labor or additional use of material such as insulation.
Green building is our future and 50% of builders are utilizing green technology. It is estimated that 25% of resale homes have some “green” characteristics. Because of their concern for our planet, health and costs associated, green home owners are notoriously passionate about their projects. They have made an emotional decision of lifestyle over money.
Possessing the ability to identify and communicate with sellers about green characteristics is vital to winning their confidence and the listing, and to building value with buyers that maintains price points.
Without question the most important green design feature is passive solar. Passive solar design positions the home, using sun path charts, to reduce direct westward sun in the summer. In the winter, the position of the home takes advantage of a different sun path to allow heat into the home. Sun path position is important, but as to not compromise views, architects also use passive solar devices such as deep overhangs over windows, westward tree shading, breezeways and convection ventilation to create circulation and release hot air. Passive solar materials include low E glass, solar screening and solar shading.
Identifying a home that is positioned using passive solar design builds value. Passive solar design is not new; in fact it was a necessity before the invention of refrigerants. So some older homes are positioned properly for passive solar, but over time this value has been lost.
By enlightening buyers and sellers of the benefits of passive solar design, pointing out the cost savings of deep overhangs or the comfort breezeways create, you establish value. Being proactive and offering solutions for poorly positioned homes, such as protection for westward facing glass with an evergreen tree or solar shading, you position yourself as a knowledgeable agent.
We will present a more in depth discussion on green building design in our free webinar series, WAVEpresents. On February 9th, we'll host "Green Building and Design Technologies: Become An Expert To Build Value". The webinar is free, but seating is limited, so if you are interested please register by clicking here: www.wavepresents.com.
In our next post, we'll discuss the material side of green construction:
•· Water conservation
•· Geo-thermal closed and open loop
•· Solar Photovoltaic Electricity
Followed by:
•· Landscape and Wildlife Sanctuary
•· Tax Rebates and Credits
It would be interesting to hear how many AR agents find that their buyers are listing green design and materials as an important desire in their next purchase.
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