| The green building boom is well underway, with | | | | homes. In addition, because a green home is healthier |
| around 10% of new homes expected to be green | | | | to live in, you might receive a break in health |
| homes by the year 2010. This rise in green building | | | | insurance costs. |
| isn't just due to increased environmental awareness, | | | | Earth Friendly |
| but also to increased awareness of the advantages | | | | There are many environmental benefits to owning a |
| of green building, including substantial cost savings. | | | | green home. A green home uses less energy, |
| Here are the main reasons that the green building | | | | produces less waste and uses earth friendly materials |
| boom is only going to get bigger. | | | | in its construction. From using reclaimed timber to |
| Economic Benefits | | | | recycling rain water to using less water and energy |
| A typical sustainable built home will incorporate building | | | | to producing less construction waste, a green home |
| methods that may have additional up front costs in | | | | leaves a much smaller footprint on the environment |
| comparison to traditional homes, but over the years, | | | | than a traditionally built home. Green homeowners |
| the cost savings overall will be substantial. A green | | | | also have many earth friendly options when it comes |
| home naturally has reduced maintenance costs, | | | | to the interior of their home, including options such as |
| reduced energy costs, reduced water costs, reduced | | | | carpeting made from recycled rubber tires and |
| heating costs and more. A typical green homeowner | | | | recycled bottles and other materials. New choices in |
| uses about 50% less water and 50% less energy | | | | sustainable materials abound, including the use of |
| than traditional homes. In addition, a green built home | | | | easily renewable wood and plant products such as |
| will hold its value over the long term, with green | | | | hemp and bamboo. In addition, a green homeowner |
| homes being appraised for 10-20% higher values than | | | | can rest easier, knowing that they have helped |
| comparable traditionally built homes in the same | | | | conserve some trees in a forest far away or |
| neighborhood. Lastly, check your local building laws, | | | | eliminated the need to produce carpeting or stain |
| you'll often find that special incentives and tax breaks | | | | that uses toxic chemicals. Many green homeowners |
| are given to people building green homes. | | | | are choosing to use materials from demolished |
| Health Benefits | | | | buildings and homes. One homeowner in Boston used |
| Green homes use non-toxic and less toxic materials, | | | | pieces of a demolished freeway project to build his |
| carpets, paints and sealants whenever possible. This | | | | home, making support beams of pieces of old |
| results in better indoor air, thereby reducing your | | | | highway and a roof from an overpass. |
| chances of respiratory illnesses and irritations and | | | | Green home builders are finding more and more ways |
| may also reduce the risk of cancer and help | | | | to make the advantages of owning a green home |
| environmentally sensitive people live and breathe | | | | more enticing. So, why not consider a green home |
| easier. Mold problems are also less common in green | | | | for your next home? |