From where we shop to our day-to-day choices, more and more people are thinking about going green. So, it should come as no surprise that the real estate market has seen a rise in eco-friendly home construction and renovation. Luxury homes in particular are embracing this trend towards green features, with homebuyers discovering that being eco-conscious does not mean having to give up style or comfort. For buyers, sellers, and investors, you can increase the value and comfort of your home while reducing your impact on the planet by going green.
Energy Efficiency
Creating an energy efficient home is easier than ever before with a growing market for home additions that can both save the planet and save you money. From solar panels harnessing the power of the sun to living roofs and walls with plants that help keep out the summer heat, green construction can be involved from the top down in home construction. For the tech savvy, eco-friendly and high-tech also go hand in hand in your home. From in-wall touch screens to smartphone apps, you can control everything from light to heat to keep your home at peak efficiency. There are so many ways to save some green while embracing green additions to your home.
Locally Sourced Materials
Using local and sustainable materials in construction or renovation is yet another way to be both green and stylish. Reclaimed wood flooring and locally sourced stone countertops are just a few ways you can design a beautiful home while reducing your carbon footprint. And it doesn’t have to stop in the home. Using local plants and options like eco-friendly artificial grass can keep your property beautiful while reducing both your environmental impact and your water bill.
Energy Certification
Certifications for being green can help you know you’re doing your part for the planet and add value to your home. Certifying bodies like Energy Star and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recognize a home’s commitment to green building and energy efficiency. With the amount of green certified homes rapidly growing, now could be the perfect time to embrace the trend towards green housing.
There are so many benefits to joining the trend of green housing. Knowing you’re doing your part for the planet is worth the price of investing in environmentally friendly designs. Making your home energy efficient can also save you money, cutting back on your energy bills. And if you’re selling or investing, your property will also see an increase in value and marketability when you add popular eco-features. Today could be the perfect day to take a step towards reducing your carbon footprint and seeing what going green can do for you and your home.
