I have been designing and building homes since 1976. For most of that time, “green” was not part of the conversation. Then, years ago, I noticed something at industry meetings: the builders who were thriving in a tough market were the ones building green. I wanted to know why.
So I dug in. I earned the NAHB Certified Green Professional and Master Certified Green Professional designations, became a third-party green verifier and added several more certifications along the way. Here is what I learned green building really means.
It is a whole-house approach
Green building is not one product or one feature. It looks at the entire home — the site, the design, the shell, the systems and the materials — and how they work together.
The five things it covers
- Energy efficiency — using less energy to heat, cool and run the home.
- Indoor air quality — healthier materials and fresh-air ventilation.
- Water efficiency — fixtures, landscaping and systems that use less water.
- Resource efficiency — smart use of materials, less waste and products that last.
- Site and durability — protecting the land and building a home that holds up for decades.
Why it matters to you
A well-designed green home costs less to operate, is more comfortable, is healthier to live in and needs less maintenance. Many buyers now look for these features, which can help when it is time to sell.
The trick is doing it affordably — knowing which features pay you back and which are just expensive labels. That is where experience counts.
Planning a new home, remodel or addition? Steve offers a free, no-pressure consultation. Call 928-444-7447 (Arizona) or 509-607-0300 (Washington), email steve@stevesenger.com, or send a message.