When it comes to your home, Green is Good!
A recent issue ofRealtor Magazine offered the first of a series of articles that will help realtors learn about the latest news in home construction using renewable resources that will help sustain our environment and methods for updating older homes in an ecologically-responsible way.
In his article, "A Realtor's Quick Guide to Green Trends," Texas realtor and certified Eco-Broker Erik Fowler wrote that "according to several studies including the U.S. Department of Energy, homes and buildings account for 40 - 50 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and at least 20 - 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution."
We were intrigued by this piece, because any energy savings we can pass on to our clients is good news! There are details realtors can explore about the ways in which remodeling an older home or constructing a new one can have a positive and lasting impact on the environment, and on overall community health and lifestyle. There is also a new NAR GREEN designation which we are considering. For interested realtors the link is:
www.greenresourcecouncil.org
The U.S.Department of Energy publishes A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
The link is:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/
If you are a homeowner, there are numerous links offering ways to lower your energy costs, including reducing the energy costs of appliances and electronics, proper insulation and air sealing, landscaping, lighting, heating and cooling systems and energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights.
When undergoing any remodeling project, by investing in energy-efficient materials you not only save money, but at a future time if you decide to sell your home it certainly is a good selling point with buyers. Given the choice, a buyer would rather choose a home that costs less to heat, cool and maintain than one which needs updating. This is especially true with older homes.
Keeping you posted....
Bonnie & David