Green homes are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and the potential for significant savings on monthly energy bills. On average, a new ENERGY STAR certified home is 20% more efficient than a home built to the standard building codes. This means that electricity savings can be substantial, often making up the highest cost of utilities for a homeowner. In addition to saving money, green homes can also increase the value of a property and provide other benefits such as protecting the environment. A recent study sponsored by investment firm Good Energies found that green building is not only beneficial for the environment, but also makes economic sense.
The study analyzed 150 green building projects around the world and found that, on average, they cost only 2% more than traditional buildings and generate savings of 33% in energy use. This is great news for those looking to invest in green building. When it comes to green home improvements, there are many options available. Companies such as Cal-Star Cement, Serious Materials, Michelle Kaufmann Design, Zeta Communities and American Hometec offer products that require less fossil fuels to manufacture. Solar energy is also becoming increasingly popular and many states offer tax credits for installing it.
Additionally, Gary Winnick's iCrete has designed algorithms to make environmentally friendly cement for specific sites. Realtors can also benefit from green homes by highlighting their features when selling them. Features such as solar energy, charging stations for electric vehicles, tankless water heaters, efficient appliances, heating and lighting are all attractive to potential buyers. This guide from Green Business Bureau on how to sell a green home outlines some of the features that agents like to highlight. Overall, investing in green home improvements can be beneficial in many ways. Not only can it save money on monthly energy bills and increase the value of a property, but it can also help protect the environment.
With so many options available, there is something for everyone when it comes to green home improvements.
