| Green building is becoming increasingly more popular | | | | series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has |
| with architects, builders and homeowners each year. | | | | incorporated green building in many of its episodes, in |
| Consumers' environmental awareness is growing and | | | | part to help out its financially struggling families with |
| they have come to demand more naturally | | | | lower energy and maintenance bills for the future, |
| sustainable and recycled materials incorporated in the | | | | but also in recognition of this progressive trend in the |
| construction and renovation of their homes and favor | | | | building industry. |
| homes that utilize construction and design techniques | | | | Realtors are finding that green architecture |
| that improve energy efficiency and reduce indoor air | | | | components are a good selling point for their listings. |
| pollution. These green building techniques not only let | | | | Homebuyers in this relaxed housing market can be |
| homeowners feel good about leaving a smaller | | | | more selective about their many housing options and |
| environmental footprint, but can provide long-term | | | | the long-term economies of green homes make for |
| savings in utility bills. | | | | an attractive real estate package. Banks and financial |
| Does a greener house have to look like a yurt or | | | | lenders are also recognizing the investment value |
| geodesic dome like so many of the first-generation | | | | inherent in green construction and are responding by |
| eco-houses of the 1970s? On the contrary, | | | | offering more favorable terms for these loan |
| green-built homes are often indistinguishable from | | | | customers. |
| their traditional counterparts. Green buildings will, | | | | There is also the social trend of environmentalism as |
| however, function much differently. Their heating and | | | | a way of life. Just as consumers are veering away |
| cooling costs will be lower if they are sited to | | | | from sport-utility vehicles and snapping up hybrid and |
| maximize wind-sheltering trees and incorporate | | | | more fuel-efficient cars, so too are prospective home |
| passive solar design principles. | | | | buyers thinking twice about the status of |
| Green building is a growing segment of the new | | | | traditionally-designed houses and thinking more about |
| home and home renovation market. Go to any | | | | building green. |
| Homebuilders Expo these days and you'll find plenty | | | | If you are interested in learning more about green |
| of vendors exhibiting green building products and | | | | design, check out your next home builders fair in |
| services, from energy-efficient appliances to roof | | | | your area or contact a local architect to discuss this |
| shingles made of recycled plastic to architecture firms | | | | exciting home building and renovation option. You'll be |
| that specialize in sustainable design. The hit television | | | | happy you did. |