| Green homes are expected to make up to ten | | | | green housing development in New York has |
| percent of new home construction over the next | | | | demonstrated the ability to command ten to fifteen |
| several years, according to a study done by | | | | percent higher rental rates than comparable units in |
| McGraw-Hill Construction. Homeowners are interested | | | | the surrounding area. |
| in purchasing green homes because of the benefits | | | | And local, state and federal governments are |
| they offer -- from healthier indoor air to energy | | | | increasingly offering tax breaks and incentives for |
| savings. | | | | building a green home or adding green features to an |
| What are some of the primary benefits of a green | | | | existing home. |
| home? Such a home is constructed with much | | | | What are some of the features of a green home? |
| thought given to the materials used in construction. | | | | Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, |
| Building materials are expected to be toxin-free, | | | | drought-tolerant landscaping and water-conserving |
| sustainable and energy-efficient. The use of | | | | irrigation systems help green homes use less water |
| toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air | | | | than standard homes. This feature will become |
| pollution. Since we are exposed to the air in our | | | | increasingly important as the prospect of water |
| homes as much or more often than outside air, | | | | shortages loom in some parts of the country. |
| indoor pollution can pose serious health risks to | | | | Because many green building materials incorporate |
| residents. A healthier home means fewer visits to the | | | | significant recycled content, they require the use of |
| doctor and hopefully fewer respiratory problems. | | | | fewer natural resources. The amount of excess |
| Besides potential health savings, the net cost of | | | | building materials dumped in landfills is significantly less |
| owning a green home is typically comparable to, if | | | | than the amount generated by traditional practices. |
| not cheaper than a standard home. People who live in | | | | Some green homes incorporate carpets and floor |
| green homes save money by consuming less energy | | | | tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Other homes |
| and fewer resources than standard homes. The | | | | use salvaged materials or renewable and sustainable |
| savings add up over the years in decreased energy | | | | products, such as bamboo, hemp and soybean. |
| and water bills. | | | | Homeowners can choose countertops made from |
| Insurance companies are becoming convinced that | | | | recycled street lights and other recycled glass. |
| green may be the way to go. More and more | | | | Low-volatile organic compound paints and finishes |
| insurance companies are offering discounts on policies | | | | inside the home reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. |
| covering green homes. Similarly, there are even a | | | | Formaldehyde-free insulation also insures fewer |
| few mortgage companies offering discounted loan | | | | dangerous chemicals are released into the |
| rates for home buyers buying green. | | | | atmosphere. |
| Here are some of the reasons for the heightened | | | | Energy-efficient appliances, insulation, roofing |
| interest and discounts offered by the business | | | | materials, doors and windows lower heating and |
| community: | | | | cooling bills. |
| A green home is often more durable than standard | | | | In many cases, builders are also including universal |
| homes because of its high-quality building materials | | | | design elements into green homes. These designs, |
| and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs. | | | | which include wider doorways, no stairs, flat entries |
| The value of a green home is often higher than that | | | | and accessible bathrooms, sinks and showers, assure |
| of a comparable standard home, and the market | | | | that people with varying abilities can live in and age in |
| demand for green homes is expected to rise. A | | | | their homes and their neighborhoods. |