The BUZZ About GREEN!
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How GREEN do you have to be to save money, Joan, our GREEN broker, and Certified Green Professional (CGP) builder can help de-mystify the process and keep you updated here! When it comes to living a "green" lifestyle, most people tend to fall somewhere between a light and medium shade of green. Maybe you lean toward green, but stop short of aspiring to a deep-green, off-the-grid lifestyle. Let’s face it, busy families thrive on convenience, and some shades of green may seem too inconvenient and impractical for everyday life…but what about those that aren't? There are many ways you can add value and cost efficiencies to your home without the inconvenience and expense of a major remodel! Now may be a good time to take stock of where you are on the GREEN scale and make some simple (or more advanced) home improvements that will pay off…whether you’re updating your home to sell, or planning to stay put. |
3 kinds of GREEN for homeowners…
most GREEN features fall into these 3 categories:
1. Energy Efficiency
Anything that reduces energy consumption… superior insulation, weather stripping, programmable thermostats, ENERGY STAR® rated appliances and electronics.
2. Resource Efficiency
Products that use fewer natural resources, recycled materials, low-flow plumbing fixtures, buying local goods to reduce fuel consumption and expense on transportation.
3. Indoor Air Quality
Using natural cleaners or household products that emit no or low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). (Paints, stains, cabinets and carpets are available with low/no VOC’s.) Use of ENERGY STAR fans and dehumidifiers to remove any excess moisture that can lead to allergy-causing molds and mildew.
TIP: Consider having an energy audit done on your home. Many local utility companies or city governments will do one for free! Check with your city or local utility provider. If they don’t offer this service, you can hire a professionial, or find a “do it yourself” kit at www.energystar.gov. (Click on Home Improvenent > Home Energy Audit).
Here are some of our favorite links for more GREEN info:
Explore www.SwiftCreekConstruction.com for more on sustainable building in the Triad area.
