| "Reuse and Recycle" has become a popular phrase | | | | For those interested in "Going Green", follow the lead |
| showing our growing concern and commitment as a | | | | of North Carolina and while finding that Best Place to |
| nation to finding the best ways to be stewards of | | | | relocate or retire in North Carolina here are ten steps |
| the environment and North Carolina is notably one | | | | to a Green home and Green lifestyle right now. |
| place that embraces Green trends and Green building | | | | |
| practices. | | | | 1. Recycle and reuse: Get involved with your local |
| The general principals of green building as set forth | | | | recycling program and make it a priority to buy |
| by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) | | | | products made from recycled materials. |
| Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) | | | | 2. Turn it off: Turn off lights or appliances that don't |
| division consist of four critical areas: | | | | need to be on. |
| | | | 3. Get out of the car: Spend less time driving and |
| 1. energy efficiency | | | | more time walking, running or riding a bike. Look for a |
| 2. water efficiency | | | | community that helps you get around without a car. |
| 3. use of recycled or environmentally sustainable | | | | 4. Watch what you eat: Try eating less meat and |
| building materials | | | | more local fruits and vegetables; local farmers will |
| 4. healthy indoor environmental quality | | | | thank you, fewer energy resources are consumed |
| North Carolina makes sure all of these areas are at | | | | and it's healthier. |
| work in building projects across the state. | | | | 5. Use less water, especially hot water: Switch to |
| The Green building projects in North Carolina | | | | low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads and |
| impressively include everything from projects such as: | | | | remember you use a lot of energy to heat that hot |
| | | | water. |
| 1. Eco-dorm at Warren Wilson College just outside | | | | 6. Green building/renovation: Take a look what you |
| Asheville, NC | | | | can do to improve the structural energy efficiency of |
| 2. Renovating an abandoned building which now holds | | | | your home, especially state programs to encourage |
| Brown and Jones Architects in Raleigh, NC and; | | | | energy efficient building/renovations. |
| 3. Rammed earth walls and radiant heating system of | | | | 7. Change your lights: Compact fluorescent bulbs save |
| the Philips residence in Pittsboro, NC. | | | | energy and money. |
| North Carolina takes Green building practices seriously | | | | 8. Plant something: A tree or garden, anything green. |
| and doesn't limit it's commitment to large businesses, | | | | 9. Update your appliances: Look for more energy |
| schools and private residences. In fact, in 1998, North | | | | efficient models. |
| Carolina State committed itself to be a leader in | | | | 10. Borrow: Instead of running out to buy, think |
| environmental stewardship. This commitment saved | | | | about borrowing first. |
| taxpayers money through Green practices. In | | | | Let's not forget that when finding your Best Place to |
| addition, North Carolina "Greened" all state | | | | relocate or retire to in North Carolina you can clearly |
| government buildings. | | | | save money by going Green. |
| We at Places of Value have covered the many ways | | | | Energy efficient homes lower your bills, help your |
| North Carolina has embraced green trends and | | | | resale value and when combined with Green building |
| environmental stewardship, especially Green building | | | | practices help the environment as a whole. |
| practices. | | | | |