Happy Earth Day.............
One of the questions I receive on a regular basis is what "Green" technologies are now being used in New Homes. The answer is a combination of many energy saving, environmentaly friendly, and healthy alternatives to what has been utilized in the past.
Depending on the builder and the level of "Green" commitment there can be a wide range of items being installed.
For example: There are many different certifications to qualify the level of "Green" being employed during construction.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) LEED AP is an accredidation of professionals.This is one of the most stringent approval ratings a builder can achieve, and there are different levels within "Leed" certification.
Energy Star is another type of certification- New homes that meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency can qualify for Energy Star certification. An Energy Star qualified home uses at least 15% less energy than standard homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC).
The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation dedicated to improving the build environment and has it's own certification process.
These different certifications are all looking to assist in reducing the carbon imprint of new construction. Depending on the level your builder or customer is looking to achieve these different levels will come into play.
As the demand increases for builders to move towards these certifications you will see some great features introduced in the coming years. Currently most of the volume builders already have, or are in the process of creating more "Green" features within their homes.
It is important for you as a realtor to become familiar with the features for your customers and be sure your builder is not "Greenwashing". Greenwashing is the unjustified appropriation of environmental virtue by a company, to create a pro-environmental image, sell a product or a policy. In simple terms it is a company that is touting their company and products as "green" that are not really justified.
The level of "green" a builder selects can be based on many factors. Cost/reward is a major factor in this current market. High level Green certification costs may not make sense if the cost of the home is substantially increased due to the certification. For example: Would your buyer pay an additional $60,000 on a $400,000 home? How about an additional $30,000? $20,000??? Depending on your market area, it may make perfect sense if the demand is there.
Some of the features that I have had the opportunity to see results are as follows:
#1 Spray foam insulation- This product is simply amazing. If you have not seen its performance I highly recommend you check it out. It works well at insulating in both hot and cold climates. Down here in Florida it does an exeptional job of keeping the home cooler. The major difference is the temperature in the attic of the home. In a typical R-30 fiberglass installation the attic can reach temperatures above 140 degrees while the home is trying to maintain airconditioned space at 70-80 degrees. This variance of super heated space and cause sweating on the ducts and heat leaks to the airc onditioned space below. Spray foam is sprayed on the underside of the roof, stopping the heat before it enters into the home. The typical variance of temperature from the air conditioned space to the attic is no more than 10 degrees. For example if your home is 75 degrees the attic is a maximum of 85 degrees. This is a huge difference. A/C equipment works less and due to the fact that the roof is sealed instead of vented the cooling is much more efficient.
#2 Insulated and impact resistant glass windows- These windows can reduce reduce the amount of ultraviolet rays entering into the home, as well as, reduce noise and provide protection.
#3 Reflective roof tile- Why even allow the heat to enter into the home, why not incorporate a roof tile remains cooler during the day due to its reflective properties.
#4 Water Sense Plumbing fixtures- These plumbing fixtures help reduce the amount of water we use on a daily basis.
#5 Low and NO-VOC (Volitile Organic Compounds) Paints- These paints are designed and manufactured taking steps to reduce environmental impact and to meet or exceed the most stringent regulatory requirements.
#6 Energy Star Appliances- They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.
These are just a few of the more affordable green features that are being used by some builders in the current marketplace.
My company has a "Green" initiative known as Kolter Eco-nomics
-Ecology meets economics without the sacrifice. It is simple, Kolter Homes makes it our mission to build high quality affordable homes which conserve resources, provide energy and cost savings, offer premier construction and advanced technology to promote a healthy lifestyle for new homeowners. There is a value to building smarter... and that is the Eco-nomics of Kolter.
For information and inventory on our homesthat incorporate "Green" features please vist. Kolterhomes.com.
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