Green Living is Easy in a New Home

New homes today are greener than ever - and that’s a big plus for homeowners.

Today’s new homes are considerably more energy-efficient than homes built even five years ago, largely because of higher-quality, higher-tech materials and good building science.

As a result, new homes are better at holding in hot and cool air in winter and summer, helping us save money all year long. Many builders are also offering low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) options for paints, as well as cabinetry made without formaldehyde, helping us breathe easier and contributing to increased indoor air quality.

Starting a painting project soon? The National Association of Home Builders recommends choosing paints that have been independently certified as low- or zero-VOC. For example, Benjamin Moore’s EcoSpec line is certified by Green Seal (www.greenseal.org) and the Greenguard Environmental Institute (www.greenguard.org), nonprofits that test, certify and promote low-emitting interior products.

Comments

[Philippines properties for sale]

Well, this is a good news "Today’s new homes are considerably more energy-efficient than homes built even five years ago, largely because of higher-quality, higher-tech materials and good building science." But there's one thing I was wondering about. How much would it cost? Anyway, I enjoyed reading your article. It makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing.

-seff-

[Krishna Perkins]

Green is the second biggest questoin next to price my buyers are asking me these days. In our market in San Antonio we have a slew of factories, buildings etc being converted in the downtown area into green friendly condos and mixed use living space. I'm very excited to see what the next couple of years bring in green building techknowledgy.

[Green Builder Indianapolis]

We build Green home and certify them under LEED. I agree with this posting. We are now completing home that are 50-80% more energy effiecint than standard built home that meet code with a very small increase in price ofonly 1-4%. Making home green just makes economic sense.