The past two articles in this column have reviewed features that may be considered for incorporation into either a new construction or a building to be remodeled and updated to achieve greater energy efficiency and permit it to receive a Green rating or certification. The two previous articles placed the items in a Low-Cost group and a Medium-Cost group. The following list includes features in the group of High-Cost items identified in the REALTORS® Green Designation Course. The reader will note the advanced or more complex items or systems in the list below compared to those in the lists in the two previous columns.
* Buy ENERGY STAR appliances
* Replace windows with double pane, low-e models
* Replace roof with reusable/recyclable materials
* Install solar photovoltaic panels
* Remodel kitchen or bathroom with sustainable materials and features
* Replace cabinets with sustainably harvested wood and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes
* Install a solar hot water heater
* Install a green roof
* Implement super energy efficient transformers
* Use wind turbine systems to supplement common area electricity
* Implement a water reclamation system (this depends on the system and whether or not such a system is legal in your area; in the previous article listing the low-cost items, this column mentioned collecting rainwater to water plants; a reader called questioning the legality of catching rain water for person use, and appropriately so, for there are provisions in state and local law prohibiting or restricting this use; one should check with the appropriate authorities regarding such devices and systems
* Consider anaerobic digesters that use food waste and solid human waste to produce methane and generate power; here again the caution is given to verify that particular items comply with health, safety and environmental regulations with legal code guidelines
The three different cost lists are not presumed to be all inclusive or restrictive in any way, but they do reflect the different levels of commitment to the idea of becoming green and energy efficient. Decisions to implement the items mentioned carry differing price tags. One has to balance the costs with the benefits perceived and the budget for implementation, including the life expectancy of the items or systems.
St. George REALTOR® Jim Coleman is Associate Broker and Partner/Owner of ERA Brokers Consolidated. He Specializes in Residential, Investment and Commercial Real Estate, holding National Designations of Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). He was recently awarded NAR's new Green designation. You can contact him by e-mail at Jim@JimColeman4Homes.com. Call: (435) 674-0600; or write: Jim Coleman, 201 East St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah 84770. This and other columns are available at www.RealtorJimC.com/articles.