Top 10 Features of a Green Home

A typical builder explanation of a Green Home is “a home that is energy-efficient, water-efficient and incorporates multiple sustainable features that enhance the built environment.” What does this mean to the typical home buyer? Well, not much! And certainly not enough to really peek their interest.

Below is a “Top 10″ list of features you can expect in a typical Green Home. This is just a summary though, actual features will vary according to your price range, the location of the home and just how “green and eco-friendly” you want to be!

1. Design & Planning – A well thought out home design in consultation with green building experts; the house positioned on your lot to take advantage of existing trees, natural vegetation and prevailing breezes; third party testing and verification of green products and applications in order to meet certification guidelines.
2. Durability & High Performance – Exterior house wrap utilized for vapor and air infiltration control; HVAC duct system and all house penetrations properly sealed and tested; higher quality products and materials utilized in every aspect of construction; builder and other professionals are more involved at each stage of construction.
3. Energy Efficiency – High efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system designed and installed; insulated windows with low e glass throughout the home; tankless water heater system for heat on demand; ENERGY STAR appliances and light fixtures.
4. Water Conservation – Low flow faucet and shower heads installed; dual flush toilets; ENERGY STAR dishwasher; properly designed landscaping and irrigation package.
5. Indoor Air Quality – Low or no V.O.C. paints, caulks, sealants and cabinets selected; central vacuum system; use of carpeting kept to a minimum; bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans ducted to outside; garage and basement areas insulated and sealed from interior of home.
6. Resource Efficiency – Engineered products and finger joint material used where possible; concrete and fiber-cement products used in lieu of wood; recycle bins placed on job site to minimize construction debris; well designed recycle center in kitchen.
7. Landscaping & Outdoors – Drought tolerant turf and plants selected; plants with similar water and maintenance needs grouped together; recycled mulch to maximize moisture retention; irrigation system complete with multi-program clock, rain sensor and separate zones for turf and plants.
8. Eco-friendly and Healthy Materials – Carefully selected renewable materials that are also eco-friendly, such as bamboo flooring, engineered woods, cork flooring, recycled tile and linoleum.
9. Health, Safety & Enjoyment – High quality systems installed to control mold, to detect and warn for carbon monoxide and radon gases, to prevent unwanted intrusions with a complete security system and finally, to safely deliver pesticide and termite treatments.
10. Optional Features – Energy efficient systems such as solar voltaic power and solar energy; structural systems such as structured insulated panels (SIPS) or insulated concrete forms (ICF); indoor air quality filtration systems and whole house dehumidifying system; water conservation measures such as greywater reuse, reclaimed water reuse and rainwater harvesting.

Building a certified Green Home or remodeling an existing home to be certified green, might be the smartest decision you ever make for the health and well-being of not just you and your family, but for the next generation of families throughout the world.