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Some of the standards for ecologically minded homes include increased insulation. To be really energy efficient, a home should be insulated beyond the minimum local requirements. This includes floor insulation, which in some cases is built right in to the concrete foundation. In addition to the walls, floors and ceilings, windows should also be insulating. Therefore, double paned and/or vinyl windows are becoming the “green” standard.

Energy efficiency should be continued throughout the home. Low water use toilets are a must, and those that have different flush options are extra eco-concious. These options allow you to have a more efficient flush for solid waste, while liquid waste just gets much more conservative flush. Shower heads, washing machines, faucets and dishwashers can also be equipped to limit the water used without compromising function. Air conditioners, refrigerators, heaters and all other appliances within the home should be of the highest standard of energy efficiency. In addition, compact fluorescent lights should be used throughout the home, or replaced by LED lights wherever those are suitable.

Beyond energy efficiency, use of non-toxic, ar at least less-toxic, materials is important in “green” homes. Look for a home with low VOC paints. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are toxins that gas-off from conventional paint. Remember the lighter the pigment, the lower the VOC’s, so white or off-white walls are healthier than some of the bolder, trendy colors. This is because it is the paint base that is quality controlled, but it is impossible to take the VOC’s out of some pigments.

Another finishing detail that is popular for eco-friendly homes is bamboo or cork flooring. Bamboo is popular because it grows so quickly. It takes about five years to grow bamboo to the right size to make flooring. It is versatile and comes in a variety of styles and colors. Cork is an option because it is sustainable to harvest – removing cork does not damage the cork tree, as it replenishes its cork bark every year anyway. Cork makes a lovely, soft and springy floor surface that is also naturally warmer than many other flooring options.

For our final indoor consideration, eco-friendly homes will use more natural fabrics such as wool and cotton for carpets and window dressings.

Outside the home leaves plenty of room for “green” considerations, too. Xeriscaping is a popular means of landscaping utilizing plants native to the area being built in. These plants are naturally drought-resistant because they are acclimatized to the local environment, needing less watering and maintenance than lawns or beds full of foreign flowers.

Another “green” outdoor trend is utilizing permeable paving stones. These actually absorb water, which then is naturally filtered through the earth and goes back into the ground-water supply. These avoid the toxic run-off that can be caused by water rushing over cement and into drains, carrying oil and exhaust residue straight into the drainage system, which ultimately ends up being a nearby body of water.

If a home you are looking at is being promoted as being “green”, don’t hesitate to ask the builder about some of these features. If they don’t measure up, don’t buy it.

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• Improved compressors and motors
• Introduced better door seals and compartmentation
• Increased insulation standards

Even though there have been improvements, most fridges and freezers still operate a long way short of the maximum potential efficiency. Average running costs could be cut by half without serious difficulties, as we can see when we realise that the most efficient existing appliances are 50% more effi¬cient than the average. Although a refrigerator uses a relatively small amount of power in use, it is the fact that it is working 24 hours a day 365 days a year, often in the hottest room of the house, that causes it to be one of the highest energy users.

Choosing a new energy-saving triage or freezer:
• Unless you use a large amount of frozen food it makes the most sense to buy a combined fridge-freezer model. The most efficient place for the freezer compartment is at the top so that it can facilitate cooling below.
• If you do buy a separate freezer, then buy a well-insulated chest type which loses far less cold air when opened than an upright.
• Work out carefully the optimum size you need. Both fridges and freezers operate best when at least three-quarters full.
• Automatic defrost models consume far more energy than the manual defrost models. This is because they contain heaters. The fridge is thus working against itself when defrosting and if the fridge is being used inefficiently the energy used can be increased by a further 50%.
• Find a fridge that is well insulated and look for energy efficiency labels.

Energy saving in use
• Energy saving microelectronics have been developed for refrigerators: they help to match the real load on the motor and save up to 20% of energy. These electronics have been incorporated into a special plug called a saverplug which is well worth installing.
• Locate a refrigerator or freezer away from sources of heat such as a stove or direct sunlight. If you have a fridge that is not well insulated you can provide some extra insu¬lation yourself on the top and sides.
• Check the temperature inside the main refriger¬ator compartment and freezer. They should be between 3° to 5°C and -18°to-15°C respectively. If the temperature is outside these ranges then energy is being wasted and the temperature control needs to be adjusted. Fridge and freezer thermometers are well worth buying and placing in your fridge for the occasional check.
• The back of a fridge is a notoriously difficult place to clean. However the coils or fins tend to become sticky and dusty—this acts as an insulant forcing the motor to work harder and waste more energy. Clean with soap and water.
• If you have a manual or partial automatic defrost facility then defrost regularly.
• Test the door seal and check that it is tight. This is equivalent to draught-proofing your fridge. If there is an air leak it can not only lose energy unnecessarily but will require more frequent defrosting.
• Dispose of your fridge where the CFCs can be salvaged. Enquire at your local council to find out where you can take it.

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Many want to be part of the green movement. However, very few are aware of the changes they can do at home. To help you be part of the growing number of home owners who are living by this code, here are some few green home features.

Alternative source of energy:

We consume energy at home every day. This means that we are part of the reason why our environment is in the state where it is today. However, we can help change that. Now there are wind turbines and solar panels we can use to generate energy from the wind and the sun. However, this is initially expensive, but just think of the savings you will have in the future.

How the structure is built and what are the materials used:

The manner of building the structure can also affect the environment. There are techniques used to minimize the indoor draft. In addition, it also enhances the insulation as well as the mold in the property and the moisture in it. Moreover, it will also help enhance the energy efficiency. This is what tight construction does.

Aside from the manner of construction, the materials used have to be considered as well. It has to be eco friendly so that it will not harm the environment further. The material is considered green if it helps save energy and water. The components use to produce it should be safe and not toxic. Most importantly, it does not harm the natural resources, which means they are either recycled or salvaged. Among these materials is the sustainable harvested wood. You can use this in the construction of the property. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council Logo to ensure that it is indeed a sustainable harvested wood.

Learn how to be green with the other features at home

You can also be green with the other features at home. You can invest in the insulation, windows, roofing and the exterior siding. All of these will require you to shell out a significant amount initially. However, this will last for a long period. Investing in an eco friendly roof will last for about fifty years. Other materials used will help you save on energy especially in the heating system. If you have the best eco friendly insulation system, you can save more. You do not have to use a lot of energy for the heating system especially if your insulation is paired with the best window material.

There are many opportunities for you to be green and help save the environment. However, you have to be committed. You also have to be open in investing a few extra bucks for materials. You will surely be rewarded because of its long term benefits.

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The refrigerators, air conditioning systems and other electrical appliances that we normally use contribute to global warming. When the temperature of the Earth keeps on increasing at a rapid rate, it will result in disastrous climate changes and many of the islands will be drowned. By using intelligent energy saving techniques, you can not only save energy but also reduce global warming if not stop it completely. Using alterative energy saving methods, energy efficiency can be improved. This will result in direct savings in money, as less energy will be consumed.

Everyone on the planet must take the responsibility to use wind power energy, solar energy and bio energy. The sources of these types of energy are renewable and always available. As energy efficiency concerns many organizations and governments, several experts have come up with different solutions to combat energy saving issues. While there is no single solution that can help save energy, a combination of solutions must be deployed to improve energy efficiency.

It is prime time for everyone to gather together to fight for energy reduction. There have been cases where efficient energy saving mechanism has been deployed to save energy and use alternative energy to obtain clean energy. Without the need to reinvent the wheel, enterprises and individuals looking for energy saving solutions can get access to the technology to improve energy efficiency.

Using wind power energy and solar energy is encouraged in households to save on electricity bills. If more and more people show their willingness in deploying their own wind power stations at home, they can get electricity for free as wind is a renewable resource. Moreover, solar powered stoves and chargers are now widely used to conserve energy.

When everyone tries to save energy and improve energy efficiency, the need to use depleting resources will be greatly reduced. Moreover, clean energy will emit fewer toxic gases slowing down global warming and thus the future generation can live comfortably in the livable planet.

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We all know that our planets resources are running out at an ever increasing rate, but did you know that there are some small, simple energy saving tips that you can follow that can save you a lot of money over a year, as well as help save the environment. If you follow all, or even some, of the tips below, you can actually see a real difference to your utility bills.

In a typical modern house, electrical appliances and electronics, such as TV’s and computers, make up about 20% of total energy use.

The first tip is to look for Energy Star labels when you are buying new appliances. Energy Star labels are strict guidelines created by your local governing body which rate the appliance for energy efficiency. You can be assured that appliances which carry this label are as energy efficient as you can get.

Turn Off all Appliances Not in Use: The simplest, and most obvious piece of advice I can give you, but often the most overlooked. Turn off all lights, computers, and electronics when they are not in use. Never use standby mode overnight as it still uses up to 25% of the energy that the appliance consumes when its switched on. Standby mode can also create a fire hazard!

Light bulbs: Use energy saving bulbs instead of the conventional light bulbs. Although energy saving bulbs cost 3-5 times as much as the standard light bulb, they only use one-quarter of the electricity and lasts many times longer. Remember though, that each energy saving bulb contains 5mg of mercury so you will have an extra item to sort in the recycling bin.

Dishes: Always run your dishwasher on a full load – anything less is simply wasting water and energy as it takes the same amount to wash a single plate as it does a full load. Air-dry your dishes instead of using a dryer.

Laundry: Set your wash program to use 40 degree was or less if you can. Instead of using a dryer, air-dry or hang your clothes on a clothes line. As with dishwashers, don’t use the dryer unless you can fill it up.

Refrigerators: Think of what you want to take out before you open the refrigerator. Leaving the door open will waste extra energy.

Take more Showers and fewer Baths: Taking showers instead of baths will reduce water usage and also lower your heating bill. Of course, it’s always great fun to share a bath if you have a willing partner.
Insulate your windows And Doors: Check windows and doors for air leaks. Air leaks can be sealed by caulking or weather-stripping. By securing the leaks in your home, hot and cool air will be kept in your home longer. Less heating and cooling will help you save on energy costs.

Lag your loft and insulate your walls. If your home will allow it you should immediately lag your loft with good quality fibreglass insulation. Almost 80% of the heat lost from a house is lost by convection through the roof space. Loft insulation is the single most effective way to reduce your heating costs – a significant part of your overall energy bill. If you have cavity walls, you should also seek to insulate them using a specialist service. Again, like loft insulation, although this can be a bit expensive, the long term savings will more than pay for the cost of the work.

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Crossway: Kent, England

This magnificent four bedroom family home is essentially one large timbrel vault and is situated in the lush Kent countryside.  It was built with minimising the need for gas, water & electricity in mind whilst being light, airy and spacious at the same time. As well as using local materials and tradesmen to benefit the immediate area, it was ensured that green targets were met through the use of the highest quality insulation, triple glazing and total air tightness. Its design really is unique, the interior is magnificent and it’s totally carbon neutral!

Lux et Tepidus: Toronto, Canada

This stunning 3500 square foot home is even aligned slightly out of joint with the passing street for better solar energy alignment, the exterior is constructed of structural insulated panels and all interior partitions made of wood-stud. A south facing, massively glazed wall maximises light and solar heat entering the house straight onto a slate covered masonry wall which provides thermal mass as well as looking stunning! This is a truly striking & luxurious property both inside and out and the eco features are engrained perfectly within the design.

Woods End: Norfolk, England

Set in two acres of woodland in the Norfolk countryside, this impressive 3000 square foot eco-home was the 2009 winner of TV competition ‘I Own Britain’s Best Home’. Built from the ground up by Amanda Barrington, the home costs only £500 a year to heat and fully utilises solar gain as well as the stunning woodland landscape and passing stream to do so. The simple & modern yet homely style of both the build and the interior fit the surroundings perfectly and it has won many design, architectural and green awards. This luxurious yet energy efficient project works seamlessly and is definitely worth the title of Britain’s best home.

Heather’s Home: Weatherford, Texas, USA

This amazing eco-build was the first home in the state of Texas to receive LEED for Homes Platinum Certification and amazingly for Texas the heating/cooling bill averages only $20 to $30 a month! Built at around $117 per square foot, the house features numerous green technologies including a rainwater collection system and a water heater that needs no tank and is powered by rooftop solar panels. Again the interior is stunning and all the eco-features are seamlessly engrained, another perfect example of luxury and sustainability working hand in hand.

The Costa Mesa Green Home: Orange County, California, USA

Another home to be the first to receive Platinum Certification, this time it’s a first for Orange County in California. At a massive 5000 square foot it is the largest and possibly most luxurious of those featured and exceeds the local energy efficiency targets by a massive 40%! This stunning green project has optimised solar orientation and is built with sustainable materials throughout. It also features numerous energy efficient technologies including intelligent ventilation, a state-of-the-art green HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) system and energy star lighting. Creating energy efficiency in such a massive, contemporary and luxurious property is definitely a remarkable achievement.

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First off, buying an existing home instead of building a new one will decrease the demand on material like trees and other natural products that it takes to build a new home.

Secondly, most foreclosure that I have seen are in need of repairs. Because there are in need of those repairs is why they are price so well. When you purchase a foreclosure and start making those repairs, you can turn the home into a home that is greener than what is was. All you have to do is when remodeling the home, make sure you use material and products that are Green Friendly.

Here are 10 ideas to thinks about when converting you foreclosed home into a Green Home.

Lower utility and water bills. Having energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen and media room can reduce monthly utility bills. Tankless water heaters mean less time and water wasted waiting for water to warm up in the sink or shower. Healthier indoor air quality. Green-certified homes offer reduced exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. This is especially beneficial to sufferers of asthma and bronchial disorders. Tax benefits. DSIRE is a database of state incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Through the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the U.S. government offers several tax breaks and incentives for efficiency upgrades to homes. The Department of Energy offers federal tax incentives. The USGBC lists local tax breaks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offers sources for green funding, as does the Energy Star program. Higher real estate resale value. According to an article in Business Wire, on the one-year anniversary of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service’s addition of green-design search features to its property listings database, analysis shows that new and existing green-certified homes in King County sell in up to 18 percent less time and for 28 to 37 percent higher value per square foot. Improved durability and less maintenance. Certain green building materials, such as bamboo floors, are easy to clean or require less maintenance than traditional carpet flooring. Reduced waste sent to landfills. Modular homes are built in factories that recycle the waste generated during the construction process and leave less waste at the construction site. Many green homes often use recycled building materials. Enhance and protect biodiversity and eco-systems. Using xeriscaping and native landscaping reduces needed irrigation. Conserve and restore natural resources. Harvesting gray water saves on water bills. Composting saves money ordinarily spent on fertilizer and sends less waste to landfills. Alternative energy sources means a home neither contributes to rolling blackouts nor is it as badly affected by them. Better for the environment. In the U.S., homes are responsible for 21 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the USGBC. Living in a green home means that you are helping reduce the causes of climate change. Using local materials means less fuel is used when shipping exotic materials from other countries and ensures fair trade and labor issues. Optimize life cycle of a home. The greenest homes are sustainable, meaning they are built to last and work effectively for generations.

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With years though you might find yourself in a circumstances where you have got to part with your much beloved house for excellent.  The only pickle is you’ve tied up quite a bit of money into it and now have a bit of an apprehension whether you will be able to regain the investment.  So how do you unearth a purchaser now that will actually buy into your excitement and cash out extra dough to buy your eco-friendly pad?

Recent market trends and a growing sentiment that green living brings about positive effects on your health and the environment is bound to be the reasons for your success.  While more data still needs to be gathered from all over the country, we are gradually learning how green homes are in fact selling faster and receive top dollar.

GreenWorks Realty in Washington State decided to investigate whether the eviro-certified homes, or “ECert” as they call them, sell any better.  Surprisingly, the results showed they flew off the market 18% faster and sold for 29-37% higher value per square foot.  The cause this type of records is not available from all Counties yet is exceedingly simple – local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have not incorporated the energy efficiency and “eco smart” features into their records search fields.  For now, we must remain patient and wait until all listing boards update their search fields and provide more data supporting our hopes. 

Before you simply smack your property on the MLS with a realty company, you’ll need to sincerely consider and select a winning strategy.  After all, your home has so much to offer but how do you find a buyer who “gets it”?  Who and where are these folks in the first place?  Be ready to expose your home to three different mindsets:

1. Economizers.  This is the type that is interested in savings on the operational costs and energy efficiency.  Also in this category are investors who are eyeing at life-cycle cost analysis and the value of various green features that can enhance their cash flow.  For economizers the almighty cash is the ruler and all the rest of the environmental fanaticism is secondary.   

2. Idealists.  This is your archetypal Organicsons family.  They take eco friendly living very seriously and believe that conservation of resources and preserving the planet is a social responsibility.  They are willing to surrender some comforts for more eco wise lifestyle choices.  The Organicsons are also very wellbeing conscious and easily appreciate health benefits of living in a green residence. 

3. Eco-Chic (pronounced – Eco-Shique) – these are the brand chasing Paris Hilton breeds who go after the most recent fads and believe that living environmentally friendly is just plain “tight”.  They are engrossed in the status and prestige of eco friendly living but may not necessarily truly subscribe to the green mind set.  The newest eco wise gadgets or installing the hottest eco smart feature in their homes and looking fashionable is more imperative than having a positive effect on the ecosystem.  Frankly, who cares… they get to be hip and the earth benefits also. 

When designing a marketing strategy, be aware that eco friendly choice is not a one hat fits all style of tactic.  Certain buyers could fit neatly into one of these categories and certain ones will have a character of all three.  The recipe is to be aware of all of their desires and wishes when selling a home. 

Here are the action steps you’ll want to take to trade your home fast and for a higher value:

1. Locate a real estate agent who clearly understands the challenge you are facing.  Your Realtor should have one of the two designations: NAR’s GREEN or EcoBroker.  They have proper training and understand the mindset of a green house buyer.  More importantly, search for an agent to whom “eco friendly” is not just a marketing word but a passion.  Examine their knowledge on broader issues than home selling to get an idea of who you’ll be working with.

2. Collect all the receipts and proof of environmentally friendly remodeling or construction and put a binder together for the purchaser.  If you have one, produce your Home Energy Ratings (HER) report; it’ll demonstrate how much more efficient your house really is.  Make it clear and tangible information that they can take to the bank.

3. Clearly identify the value and Return on Investment (ROI) for the environmentally friendly improvements you’ve made.  Make sure a three year old can recognize why they should pay more for this residence.  For illustration, demonstrate that the property could have 100-350 dollars in energy savings when it comes to a classic dated mammoth down the street.  This could contribute up to 3,000 in savings per year.  Make sure your real estate agent has the skillfulness to communicate this data and sell the value.  Put together a video clarifying all the benefits of owning this home and recommend more resources like links or magazines for the buyers to get more education about the features that your dwelling has to offer.

4. Avoid using words like “green” or “eco friendly” on all of your marketing collateral.  Do not even use it on the MLS narrative.  Consumers are absolutely over stimulated with empty environmental slogans.  Keep in mind, you did not make this home “green”, you made it more energy and resource efficient.  Sell benefits, not hype. 

5. Create excitement.   Don’t endeavor to sell your dwelling in the habitual way.  Eco friendly buyers are typically a younger crowd, that like to be pleasantly surprised before they buy anything.  Stage your residence mindfully to show exceedingly obviously that you  living in it very much.  Most realtors recommend to depersonalize the house.  In general this is good advice but here you are going for a slightly different approach.  Share a story of what inspired you to make this property green and what benefits it brought to your family and your health. 

When all is considered, most buyers will cash out more for your dwelling for the same motivation they will jump on a waiting list and pay a premium to get a hybrid auto.  After all is taken into account, everything seems to make good sense.  If you pick the right Realtor to represent you and go along with these steps you should have no issues selling your residence 25% faster than a regular time frame and at a minimum of 5% higher than other homes on the block.  Much success!

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