| Going green no longer means geodesic domes or | | | | concerned, and the planet as a whole. In fact, many |
| strange-looking houses, owned by staunch | | | | economists are predicting that eventually the |
| environmentalists. Green has become more and more | | | | overwhelming demand for green homes by |
| mainstream over the past several decades. | | | | consumers will translate into a total shift in that |
| Home builders are responding to home buyer's | | | | direction. |
| demands of energy efficiency and environmental | | | | Other relatively easy, but cost effective green |
| concerns. Many new homes contain at least some | | | | techniques include such things as wrapping ventilation |
| green features. | | | | systems, using Energy Star certified appliances, and |
| First, the Framing | | | | using low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets. All |
| Even something as seemingly insignificant as using | | | | of those measures can significantly increase the |
| lumber that has been certified as coming from | | | | efficiency of a green home and save thousands of |
| sustainable forests by the Forest Stewardship Council | | | | dollars over the years in reduced heating, cooling, and |
| contributes to the green revolution in building. The | | | | water consumption. |
| same is true with using 2x6 studs in outer walls, | | | | Green Building Expands Nationwide |
| which serves two purposes: allowing builders to use | | | | The green revolution isn't just on the West Coast or |
| less lumber by spacing studs farther apart and to use | | | | other trendy areas. The demand for green homes |
| thicker insulation between the studs. | | | | can be seen nationwide. In fact, there are a number |
| Although FSC-certified lumber is still a bit hard to get | | | | of builders across the country that have seen their |
| and costs about 20 to 30 percent more than | | | | entire construction business shift to green homes. A |
| standard lumber, the additional cost only translates to | | | | large part of that increased demand has been |
| a few thousand dollars, which is often negligible, | | | | generated by increased awareness by the general |
| considering the cost of most new construction today. | | | | public about the various concepts of green building. |
| However, as more forests become FSC compliant, | | | | For instance, when consumers hear that they can |
| the cost of that lumber should decrease. | | | | heat and cool a new 3,000 square-foot home for less |
| Today's Home Buyers Want Energy Efficiency | | | | than $125 a month, that gets them excited about |
| The increase in green building techniques is driven in | | | | the possibilities. In the very near future, as more and |
| large part by consumer demand, which in turn has | | | | more consumers become familiar with the various |
| been driven by the ever-increasing cost of energy. | | | | concepts of green building, that trend is likely to |
| The more it costs to heat and cool a home, the | | | | escalate exponentially, and as energy costs continue |
| higher the demand for ways to lower those energy | | | | to rise, getting customers to incorporate green |
| costs. The increased demand for green building will | | | | building techniques and technology into their new |
| continue to bring more and more contractors into the | | | | construction projects will become an increasingly |
| field to fill the need. It's a cycle that's likely to | | | | easier upgrade to sell. |
| continue to escalate, which is good for everyone | | | | |