As talk stirs regarding going green and green building, there is much confusion and diverse reception toward the concept. The debate is brewing relative to climate and global warming topics. The advocates and opponents seem to be warming up and the camps are heating with politics and policy proposals.
When it comes to identifying features that are included in the construction of homes that will be classified as green built, or green homes, there are a few elements that fall into specific categories. They may be recognized in such areas as: Smaller Size, Environmentally-Sound Materials, Energy-efficient Windows & Doors, Water-Conserving features, Renewable Energy Resources (solar, photovoltaics, etc.), Drought-resistant landscaping, Natural, chemical-free, efficient Insulation, and Clean Indoor Air elements.
While the proponents of the green building ideas want to work with absolutes, the public at large still chooses to temper the model and the momentum with a pragmatic rule of wanting to evaluate economic impact and benefit, the cost and savings, the notion of saying: "While I may be sympathetic to the proposition of being energy conscious, can I afford the financial affect on the household operation?" Strong arguments are made for the savings in operations, but the amortization of the cost and the concern for the break-even point and positive net savings result still make up a large segment of the population undecided and uncommitted to the green building programs.
When it comes to the feature of down-sizing, in other words, cutting down the size of the home, it may be pretty difficult for the family of five to eight to get by with the 2 or 3 bedroom home or getting the living features needed in a 1500 to 1900 square foot home. Generally speaking, it would be a given that a smaller heating and air conditioning system costs less and takes fewer dollars to operate and service the system. But, again what are the real needs of the family in comparison with wanting to be part of the growing popularity of being green and conserving on energy and preserving the planet.
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), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), GREEN Property Specialist, and Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Specialist (SFR). You can contact him by e-mail at Jim@JimColeman4Homes.com. Call: (435) 627-5411; or write: Jim Coleman, 201 East St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah 84770. This and other columns are available at www.WinningTalk.com/articles.