What's the big deal about "green?"

Here are three great reasons to go a little greener.

1. Save Money - Cut Your Energy Bills

Nearly everyone wants to save money and be more comfortable in an energy efficient, warmer in winter, cooler in summer home. Even relatively small changes such as switching to Energy Star appliances, replacing inefficient windows and doors, and adding insulation to attics and walls can make a big difference in your utility bills.

2. Live In a Healthier Home

Greener homes are also healthier to live in. Incorporating non-toxic materials, paints and stains really helps to cut down on VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can have harmful health effects. Homes with green features also typically have better indoor air quality provided naturally by good cross ventilation or supplemented by mechanical air exchange or filtration systems. The result is a home with less dust, pet dander, dust mites, etc. that are often the cause of allergies and some forms of asthma.

3. Saving Resources

The backbone of good green building and remodeling is an efficient design that reduces waste, utilizes sustainable materials wherever possible, and saves water. Examples of sustainable materials include lumber cut from certified managed forests, renewable materials such as bamboo and cork, and materials that are reused or recycled (like recycled/remilled wood floors) or items made with high recycled content (like recycled glass tiles). Efficient plumbing fixtures save water inside the home while native plants or xeriscaping and rain catchment systems all help save water outside.

There are a number of certified green home programs in our region. The most well known include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Built Green and Energy Star. Although each of these programs is slightly different, the goals of all green building programs are to:

Improve energy efficiency
Improve indoor air quality
Improve materials efficiency and sustainability
Conserve water and improve water quality
Protect natural features on the site

Do Green Homes Cost More?

Although green certified homes may cost a little more initially, over the long term they save home owners a substantial amount of money due to lower heating and utility bills and maintenance costs. Many certified homes recoup the initial higher costs in just a few years. Statistics also show that certified green homes sell an average of 10% higher than similar homes.

Green Home Incentives

There are a number of energy loans, rebates and tax incentives available to help with the cost of building a green home or adding green features to an existing home. These can add up to hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Here are a few resources to check out:

DSIRE (Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency) is a great site to check out all financial incentives, loans, and rebates in one place, including a link to federal tax incentives. (www.dsireusa.org)
Snohomish PUD has a number of loan programs and rebates available for such things as weatherization, and energy efficient furnaces and appliances. (www.snopud.com)

See what green homes look like!

The Zero Energy Idea House, Lake Sammamish, Bellevue, WA

The Zero Energy Idea House at Lake Sammamish, Bellevue, WA

Here are some local homes that have gone "deep green." They are excellent examples of the top levels of green building certification programs, and the sites are wonderful sources of green building information and education. Enjoy!

Going Green at the Beach home in Stanwood, WA

"Going Green at the Beach" located on Warm Beach, Stanwood, WA, IS NOW FOR SALE! See my Featured Listings for details.