Are Green Homes The Answer to Global Warming?

The trend of green homes seems to be catching on. The reason for this could be many–one of course is that it may perhaps help in negating the effects of global warming or the other obvious reason is greenery is loved by all.

The recent debacle of the American housing market left many Americans cringing in pain for having to forgo their homes. The green home boom has perhaps resulted from this desire to do things differently and perhaps express one’s solidarity with those who are the worst affected by rising global temperatures.

Using energy efficient appliances and tools is not just eco-friendly it even proves to be cost-effective, which means all the benefits of high living with lower costs. In times of recession this seems to be the best bet for Americans who had to lose their homes due to recession in 2008.

In a world where global temperatures are continuously rising, and alternate energy resources that would help in protecting the environment, are constantly being searched for– green homes seem to be the answer to a prayer.

The construction industry seems to be capitalizing on the green homes boom for two reasons—firstly, green homes retain their value and are energy efficient, even new buyers are willing to pay a premium for them.

As per market reports the sudden boom of the green homes market is a direct outcome of the fallout of the home loans industry. The recent media reports on rising temperatures have also made people environmentally conscious and they are willing to pay up to 20% more to get a green home.

Some of the commonest reasons cited for people’s preference of green homes are that they are low cost  maintenance wise. They are environment friendly, have multiple health benefits for people residing in them; the best part is they have a high resale value, so they prove to be a good investment.

A huge 40% of Americans have  opted for green home renovations. The most used green home products are energy efficient windows, new window equipment and hardware and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipments. One of the primary reasons for this kind of renovations is the low maintenance cost involved and low electricity bills.

Not all houses touted as green homes actually fall into the category of green homes. These are some of the top criteria by which a house can be categorized as a green home-

1.They are energy efficient

2.The indoor air quality is superior

3.Efficient use of natural resources like water

4.Efficient use of all resources

5.Site management

This list however is not exhaustive and without attention to details like the toxicity of the building material used the house can’t be truly considered as a green home. Here’s a complete list of what constitutes a green home.

1. The house is so designed that it receives optimum heating and cooling benefits by its positioning which is related to how the sun light falls on it.

2. Insulation of windows, doors and ceilings is one of the main features of a green home.

3. The sun, wind and geothermal medium are used as energy resources.

4. Water recycling and preservation is also an important aspect of green homes.

5. Thermal mass is used in the building.
6. The design of the home is self sufficient, which means that the homeowner can live in the house through all the stages of his life, even when he is disabled and infirm.

7. Building material used should be recyclable.

8. Mud, brick, rammed earth and straw bales are used as building material.

9. Paint used is non-toxic

10. Houses have good home energy rating.

11. Green house gas emissions are carefully taken care of.

Green homes are a great way of giving back to nature and building a foundation for a safe environment.