I use the term a lot! I often refer to ways to become “greener” in your daily life, and habits, and changes you can make to make your home “greener”. Is there a minimum standard when someone says it’s a “green” home? What does this mean? Does it mean it is carbon neutral or net zero, or does it simply mean that it has “green” features? I have often referred to a home with several “green” and energy efficient features as being green, but it may not be “green” in every way.
For example, I have a listing on a home that is very well designed and oriented to take advantage of the sun’s energy. It’s major heat source, even for the very cold winters here, is passive solar, because of the way it’s designed. This home also has very efficient windows, and a high level of insulation. It’s landscaped with organic fruit trees, and there isn’t a sod lawn that requires a ton of water, but rather heartier buffalo grass, and foliage that requires very little water for our dry summer climate here, preserving precious water. BUT – this house also has a wood burning stove, and some would say that is a very “un-green” feature. So is this house “green”? I’d definitely say it’s a HUGE step above a typical house… it’s probably “greener” than 90% or more of houses out there….
What do you think? Should there be a minimum standard for use of the term “green”? Thoughts and comments welcome!
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