by 25 people |
What Is a Green Home?
A Green Home operates with little or no impact on the surrounding environment. And uses the appropriate natural products in and around the home to support health and wellbeing.
It's a nurturing living space where nature rejuvenates mind, body and spirit.
Here's 12 action steps to keep in mind while creating your own Green(er) Home
12 Steps to a Green(er) Home at a Glance
- Green Home Step #1: Understand the potential dangers in a modern home.
- Green Home Step #2: Find knowledgeable sources for consumer information.
- Green Home Step #3: Take a tour of a house being green-ed.
- Part 2 - Take a tour of a house being green-ed.
- Part 3 - Take a tour of a house being green-ed.
- Green Home Step #4: Start small. Keep it simple.
- Green Home Step #5: Go to Las Vegas.
- Green Home Step #6: Join (or start) a local green support group.
- Green Home Step #7: Experiment with recycling and other green options.
- Green Home Step #8: Remember to do your due diligence.
- Green Home Step #9: Get a contractor's perspective on a green home.
- Green Home Step #10: Collect ideas and brainstorm your new green house.
- Green Home Step #11: Experiment with green household products.
- Green Home Step #12: Get serious about plans, financing, hiring, buying.
- SHOPPING Break !!!
- You Might Also Like...
- GUEST BOOK: Your turn...
- A Few Closing Comments...
Green Home Step #1: Understand the potential dangers in a typical modern home.
Most conversations about green homes focus on excess energy consumption. But greening a home can get very personal.
Do you suffer from health conditions that your doctor can't seem to diagnose?
Did you know that chlorine (in Comet cleanser), formaldehyde (sprayed on furniture), pesticide residue (on non-organic cotton sheets) and paraffin (found in burning candles) can all cause significant physical reactions? (GreenHome.com)
Then there are the potential long-term outcomes, such as asthma, autism, learning and behavior problems, and cancer. (Homes that Heal)
Everybody owes it to themself and their loved ones to learn about the possible dangers lurking around the typical home.
Do you suffer from health conditions that your doctor can't seem to diagnose?
Did you know that chlorine (in Comet cleanser), formaldehyde (sprayed on furniture), pesticide residue (on non-organic cotton sheets) and paraffin (found in burning candles) can all cause significant physical reactions? (GreenHome.com)
Then there are the potential long-term outcomes, such as asthma, autism, learning and behavior problems, and cancer. (Homes that Heal)
Everybody owes it to themself and their loved ones to learn about the possible dangers lurking around the typical home.
Green Home Reading Suggestion
Homes That Heal (and those that don't) : How Your Home Could be Harming Your Family's Health
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $20.48 (as of 02/09/2010) 
List Price: $26.95
Used Price: $5.43
Green Home Step #2: Find knowledgeable sources for consumer information
Misinformation. Disinformation. Outright lies. 'Green' concepts have been laughed at for too many years.
Fortunately, there are enough publications today that you can pick and choose one or two that match your personality, goals and learning style.
Green Guide
Green Home section of GreenGuide.com, started in 1994, and now published by National Geographic. Shows people how to make small changes that can save money and nurture good health.
Treehugger.com
Blog-zine that marries modern aesthetic with ecological options. News, reviews, recommendations and buying directory.
The Daily Green
"Consumer's Guide to the Green Revolution." ...New online journal from Hearst Communications. This is confirmation that the green revolutions has gone mainstream.
Green Home
The official Green Home blog from HGTV.
Lime Network
Main page of the Green Home section features blogs, articles, audio, video, forum and more.
Green Home Guide
"Unbiased reviews and advice from professionals and consumers like you." Features tips for doing things around the home as well as directories of products, services and retailers.
Hugg 2.0
Like Digg for the Green Movement. Readers submit news stores about green topics; the most popular show up on the front page. Great way to know which green ideas are gaining the most traction.
Inhabitat
Blog that focuses on the future of design, technology and materials as it applies to more sustainable goals.
Green Gossip from EcoRazzi
The latest gossip about celebrities involved in environmental, humanitarian, animal rights, and vegetarian issues.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGreen Home Step #3: Take a tour of a house being green-ed.
Maybe you're wondering, does a 'green home' look like one of those hippy communes from the 1960s? Will it smell? Does it have to have a windmill on the roof?
Well, some people have pushed the limits of design toward... let's say: earthy: 10 Innovative Green Homes. But these are not the norm.
To put your fears to rest, here's a 3-part video series about giving a typical home a green make-over using bamboo, recycled glass, products derived from plastic soda bottles and more. Hosted by Michelle Harris at Alive & Well TV. (Parts 2 & 3 are farther down the page.)
Well, some people have pushed the limits of design toward... let's say: earthy: 10 Innovative Green Homes. But these are not the norm.
To put your fears to rest, here's a 3-part video series about giving a typical home a green make-over using bamboo, recycled glass, products derived from plastic soda bottles and more. Hosted by Michelle Harris at Alive & Well TV. (Parts 2 & 3 are farther down the page.)
Green Home Step #4: Start small. Keep it simple.
A really simple way to start making changes. Bring in the plants.
Green Home Reading Suggestion
How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $12.24 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $18.00
Used Price: $5.25
Green Home Step #5: Go to Las Vegas.
HAHAHAHAHAHA ... No, I'm Serious.
Las Vegas is becoming the Ultimate Destination for a Green Education.
Yet another reason for a Las Vegas vacation. YIPPEE !!
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
A 180-acre, $250-million non-gaming cultural and historical attraction designed to commemorate the dynamic history of Las Vegas, while providing a vision for a sustainable future in the desert.
Las Vegas experiences scorching summer heat up to 115-120 degrees. Plunges to below freezing on winter nights. And suffers from a chronic shortage of water.
Designers incorporated innovative measures into every phase of the Desert Living Center to achieve Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification, (the toughest standard set by the U.S. Green Building Council).
The Springs also hosts the Nevada State Museum, Springs Preserve Cafe by Wolfgang Puck, garden trails, classes, meeting facilities, concerts & performances (hey, this IS Las Vegas!!) and much more.
In 2005, the Nevada Legislature passed a tax-rebate program to encourage developers to build new projects in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Local casinos, among others, responded by launching huge projects that promised to redefine downtown Las Vegas.
The new projects build 'up' rather than 'out.' And concentrate gaming, hotel rooms, condos, shopping, recreation, etc. around more densely populated urban centers.
UPDATE (February 2009): When the economic downturn hit in 2008, all the projects still in progress came under financial pressure as funding contracted. Some projects have been modified to trim costs. Others have been put on hold or canceled outright.
The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino
As of April 2008, the Palazzo became the largest LEED-certified building in the world. And is currently the primary Green hotel in Las Vegas. For more details, see...
CityCenter -- The Future of Urban Living
MGM Mirage's $7 billion, 76-acre city-within-a-city on The Strip. First phase opening September 2009. For more details, see...
Echelon -- The Epitome of Modern Luxury
Boyd Gaming's $4.4 billion, 87-acre mixed-use space on The Strip. Construction temporarily on hold. For more details, see...
Union Park
A 61-acre development by the City of Las Vegas, which is the first project in Nevada accepted as part of the LEED for Neighborhood Development program. The project includes:
The dramatic changes involved with VegasPBS Going Green are covered in an article (PDF format) about the local PBS station and the Clark County School District (CCSD) creating a LEED-Certified Educational Technology Campus (ETC) that houses the PBS studios, CCSD virtual high school, and the emergency response data casting operations to back up Nevada's Homeland Security capacities.
Cashman Equipment
A 7-building, 308,000-square-foot corporate headquarters awaiting certification by the U.S. Green Building Council as the first LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design) Gold industrial campus in Nevada.
Yet another reason for a Las Vegas vacation. YIPPEE !!
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
A 180-acre, $250-million non-gaming cultural and historical attraction designed to commemorate the dynamic history of Las Vegas, while providing a vision for a sustainable future in the desert.
Las Vegas experiences scorching summer heat up to 115-120 degrees. Plunges to below freezing on winter nights. And suffers from a chronic shortage of water.
Designers incorporated innovative measures into every phase of the Desert Living Center to achieve Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification, (the toughest standard set by the U.S. Green Building Council).
The Springs also hosts the Nevada State Museum, Springs Preserve Cafe by Wolfgang Puck, garden trails, classes, meeting facilities, concerts & performances (hey, this IS Las Vegas!!) and much more.
More Green Landmark Projects
In 2005, the Nevada Legislature passed a tax-rebate program to encourage developers to build new projects in accordance with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Local casinos, among others, responded by launching huge projects that promised to redefine downtown Las Vegas.
The new projects build 'up' rather than 'out.' And concentrate gaming, hotel rooms, condos, shopping, recreation, etc. around more densely populated urban centers.
UPDATE (February 2009): When the economic downturn hit in 2008, all the projects still in progress came under financial pressure as funding contracted. Some projects have been modified to trim costs. Others have been put on hold or canceled outright.
The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino
As of April 2008, the Palazzo became the largest LEED-certified building in the world. And is currently the primary Green hotel in Las Vegas. For more details, see...
CityCenter -- The Future of Urban Living
MGM Mirage's $7 billion, 76-acre city-within-a-city on The Strip. First phase opening September 2009. For more details, see...
Echelon -- The Epitome of Modern Luxury
Boyd Gaming's $4.4 billion, 87-acre mixed-use space on The Strip. Construction temporarily on hold. For more details, see...
Union Park
A 61-acre development by the City of Las Vegas, which is the first project in Nevada accepted as part of the LEED for Neighborhood Development program. The project includes:
- 2000-seat Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
- Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, which has now partnered with Cleveland Clinic. Building designed by Frank Gehry.
- World Jewelry Center.
- and much more.
The dramatic changes involved with VegasPBS Going Green are covered in an article (PDF format) about the local PBS station and the Clark County School District (CCSD) creating a LEED-Certified Educational Technology Campus (ETC) that houses the PBS studios, CCSD virtual high school, and the emergency response data casting operations to back up Nevada's Homeland Security capacities.
Cashman Equipment
A 7-building, 308,000-square-foot corporate headquarters awaiting certification by the U.S. Green Building Council as the first LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design) Gold industrial campus in Nevada.
Green Home Step #6: Join (or start) a local green support group.
Creating a green home takes help.
A number of major cities have been active on green issues for quite some time. Here's a few examples of local associations that have made a name for themselves. And now offer resources accessible to anyone via the web.
Austin, TX
Austin Energy's Green Building Program for homeowners, renters, designers and builders. Publications, factsheets, calendar, directory and more. Very mature program.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Energy Alliance is a city-sponsored nonprofit group created to save you money, while reducing Cambridge's carbon footprint and creating jobs. (Recently featured on NOW, on PBS)
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Green Building Coalition: a nonprofit created to inform civic, business and building industry leaders as well as the general public about the economic, health and aesthetic benefits of green building.
Denver, CO
Voluntary program called BuiltGreen Colorado. Encourages homebuilders to use technologies, products and practices to provide greater energy efficiency and healthier indoor air; reduce pollution, water usage and maintenance; and preserve natural resources.
New York, NY
"...working with building owners, builders, and suppliers of building products to promote the use of environmentally friendly, energy-conserving building practices and products in small buildings."
Pittsburgh, PA
Green Building Alliance provides publications, case studies, factsheets, surveys, forums, organization, contacts and links.
Santa Monica, CA
Green Building Program commited to protecting the environment, improving quality of life, and promoting sustainability. Design and construction guidelines, case studies and list of resources.
Seattle, WA
A wealth of resources including FREE publications for downloading. Topics like: Remodeling; Hiring a Pro; Kitchen; Bath & Laundry; Roofing; Painting; Salvage & Reuse; Landscape Materials; DIY Energy Guide; Green Home Buyers Guide; etc.
Washington, D.C.
"Demonstrates and promotes affordable, sustainable design, construction, and landscape practices for homes and communities throughout the Washington, DC area."
A number of major cities have been active on green issues for quite some time. Here's a few examples of local associations that have made a name for themselves. And now offer resources accessible to anyone via the web.
Austin, TX
Austin Energy's Green Building Program for homeowners, renters, designers and builders. Publications, factsheets, calendar, directory and more. Very mature program.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Energy Alliance is a city-sponsored nonprofit group created to save you money, while reducing Cambridge's carbon footprint and creating jobs. (Recently featured on NOW, on PBS)
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Green Building Coalition: a nonprofit created to inform civic, business and building industry leaders as well as the general public about the economic, health and aesthetic benefits of green building.
Denver, CO
Voluntary program called BuiltGreen Colorado. Encourages homebuilders to use technologies, products and practices to provide greater energy efficiency and healthier indoor air; reduce pollution, water usage and maintenance; and preserve natural resources.
New York, NY
"...working with building owners, builders, and suppliers of building products to promote the use of environmentally friendly, energy-conserving building practices and products in small buildings."
Pittsburgh, PA
Green Building Alliance provides publications, case studies, factsheets, surveys, forums, organization, contacts and links.
Santa Monica, CA
Green Building Program commited to protecting the environment, improving quality of life, and promoting sustainability. Design and construction guidelines, case studies and list of resources.
Seattle, WA
A wealth of resources including FREE publications for downloading. Topics like: Remodeling; Hiring a Pro; Kitchen; Bath & Laundry; Roofing; Painting; Salvage & Reuse; Landscape Materials; DIY Energy Guide; Green Home Buyers Guide; etc.
Washington, D.C.
"Demonstrates and promotes affordable, sustainable design, construction, and landscape practices for homes and communities throughout the Washington, DC area."
"Part 2
Take a Tour of a House
Being Green-ed"
Part 2 - Take a tour of a house being green-ed.
Green Home Step #7: Experiment with recycling and other green options.
While you're getting settled with a local support group, try a few simple experiments of your own.
Or see how much you can do with just a couple of common items you probably already own like salt, baking soda and vinegar.
What's Really Possible?
For inspiration, check out Energy Smackdown, an 'innovative community outreach program to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions,' which is also a reality program you can watch online.Home Office Options
Let the government help you switch to green office equipment and supplies. Consult with your accountant about expensing 100% of the cost as a tax deduction.- Office Depot's Buy Green page and Green Buyer's Guide.
- Office Max's Environmental Policy page.
- Staples' Staples Soul Environment page.
Whole Home Options
How about creative recycling ideas using those annoying grocery bags you've been stuffing in the cupboard?Or see how much you can do with just a couple of common items you probably already own like salt, baking soda and vinegar.
Green Home Reading Suggestions
The Bag Book: Over 500 Great Uses and Reuses for Paper, Plastic and Other Bags to Organize and Enhance Your Life (Lansky, Vicki)
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $6.95
Used Price: $1.76
Solve It with Salt: 110 Surprising and Ingenious Household Uses for Table Salt
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $10.00
Used Price: $0.21
Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of (Lansky, Vicki)
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $8.95
Used Price: $4.44
Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile, and Very Good Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $8.95
Used Price: $4.75
Green Home Step #8: Remember to do your due diligence.
Once you dive into the local green scene, you'll be meeting a lot of people throwing around a lot of opinions, and terms, and promises, and great deals, and dreams, and well... a lot of bullpoop among the daisies.
Keep your head on straight and your feet on the ground by verifying as much as possible the credentials, track records, industry and government guidelines, building practices, and... well, you get the idea.
Visiting professional websites like these can provide useful answers to your questions. And help you make fewer mistakes. ...Type 'green home' into their search boxes to see related articles.
Green Building Initiative
"Promotes green building approaches for builders, architects and others who want practical and affordable options for creating environmentally friendlier structures."
Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility
Promotes "peace, environmental protection, ecological building, social justice, and the development of healthy communities."
National Association of Realtors
Article on Cultivating the Green Building Industry. Use their Search box to find 'Green Home' articles.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
"Contains vast resources for both members and consumers alike" on general home building topics. Use their Search to look for Green Home content. Registration required for some sections.
NAHB Weekly Newspaper
News about home building in general, but they do have a Green Building section. (National Association of Home Builders)
Green Building Magazine
For residential builders, remodelers, and contractors who are interested in responsible growth and sustainable development.
Environmental Design and Construction
Covers the rapidly growing green building industry with "concise, insightful and solution-driven editorial," that "reports on innovative products, strategies and technologies driving the industry's success."
Building Green
Online database of articles, product listings, and case studies. Requires subscription)
Keep your head on straight and your feet on the ground by verifying as much as possible the credentials, track records, industry and government guidelines, building practices, and... well, you get the idea.
Visiting professional websites like these can provide useful answers to your questions. And help you make fewer mistakes. ...Type 'green home' into their search boxes to see related articles.
Green Building Initiative
"Promotes green building approaches for builders, architects and others who want practical and affordable options for creating environmentally friendlier structures."
Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility
Promotes "peace, environmental protection, ecological building, social justice, and the development of healthy communities."
National Association of Realtors
Article on Cultivating the Green Building Industry. Use their Search box to find 'Green Home' articles.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
"Contains vast resources for both members and consumers alike" on general home building topics. Use their Search to look for Green Home content. Registration required for some sections.
Publications
NAHB Weekly Newspaper
News about home building in general, but they do have a Green Building section. (National Association of Home Builders)
Green Building Magazine
For residential builders, remodelers, and contractors who are interested in responsible growth and sustainable development.
Environmental Design and Construction
Covers the rapidly growing green building industry with "concise, insightful and solution-driven editorial," that "reports on innovative products, strategies and technologies driving the industry's success."
Building Green
Online database of articles, product listings, and case studies. Requires subscription)
Green Home Step #9: Get a contractor's perspective on building a green structure.
"The Green Cottage" video presented by Building Sustainable Solutions.
Over the course of about 30 minutes, the hosts walk you through a tour of a small green structure and points out some of this things you might want to consider if you plan to build your own green home.
You'll have to listen to a sales pitch for the company's services. But overall, it's worth the viewing.
Over the course of about 30 minutes, the hosts walk you through a tour of a small green structure and points out some of this things you might want to consider if you plan to build your own green home.
You'll have to listen to a sales pitch for the company's services. But overall, it's worth the viewing.
Whew !!! Time for a SHOPPING Break !!!
To help sustain the green mood, and declare to all your friends that you've gone over to the green side, here's a few green-themed items from CafePress.
Green Home Step #10: Collect ideas and brainstorm your new green house.
Think Globally
TrendWatching.com offers a free 16-page report: Eco-Iconic. Use it to expand your perspective, because the branding of eco-goods and services is entering a new phase in 3 ways:- Eco-Iconic -- bold, original product design that says: "I'm green." Think: status symbol.
- Eco-Embedded -- pending regulations that embed sustainability into mature and emerging economies.
- Eco-Boosters -- the shift that has brands actually boosting the environment rather than just limiting damage to the environment.
Act Locally
Lots of details. Lots to consider. So take it slow. Collect ideas. Throw them around with your family, friends, support group members. And let the feedback percolate somewhere in the back of your head. Somehow, one day, it will just all be there, fully formed, and ready to go.Green Home Reading Suggestions
Living Homes: Sustainable Architecture and Design
Amazon Price: (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $45.00
Used Price: $4.90
Naturally Modern: Creating Interiors with Wood, Leather, Stone, and Natural Fabrics
Amazon Price: (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $27.50
Used Price: $7.00
Green Remodeling : Changing the World One Room at a Time
Amazon Price: $22.76 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $29.95
Used Price: $10.34
Green Building Products: The GreenSpec Guide to Residential Building Materials
Amazon Price: (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $34.95
Used Price: $2.55
Green Home Step #11: Expand your experiments to using or even making your own green household products.
Most people really notice the difference between typical commercial cleaning products and green cleaning products. You might experience the house as being lighter, cleaner, fresher. You might start sleeping better. Sinus congestion may miraculously clear up. Who knows? That's why it's an experiment.
You can purchase the products at supermarkets like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, The Fresh Market, Sunflower, etc. Or you can save some money and have some fun making your own.
You can purchase the products at supermarkets like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, The Fresh Market, Sunflower, etc. Or you can save some money and have some fun making your own.
Green Home Reading Suggestions
Organic Housekeeping: In Which the Non-Toxic Avenger Shows You How to Improve Your Health and That of Your Family, While You Save Time, Money, and, Perhaps, Your Sanity
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $22.80 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $30.00
Used Price: $7.82
Making Natural Liquid Soaps: Herbal Shower Gels / Conditioning Shampoos / Moisturizing Hand Soaps
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $14.95
Used Price: $9.15
Homemade: How-to Make Hundreds of Everyday Products Fast, Fresh, and More Naturally
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $15.95
Used Price: $8.34
The Naturally Clean Home: 100 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Non-Toxic Cleansers
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 02/09/2010)
List Price: $12.95
Used Price: $2.78
"Part 3
Take a Tour of a House
Being Green-ed"
Part 3 - Take a tour of a house being green-ed.
Green Home Step #12: Get serious about plans, financing, hiring, buying.
Background, design plans, financing, furnishing, news, trends and more. Here's where the fun really starts.
Regreen Program
Best practices guidelines for sustainable residential improvement projects from the American Society of Interior Designers' Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council.Green Home Building Guidelines
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers a FREE guide that contains info on selecting a site, choosing materials, handling waste, water and energy efficiency, etc.
The Future of Solar-Powered Homes
November 1, 2007 -- Overview of the Solar Decathlon, which is "produced by the Department of Energy as a showcase for the latest high-tech solar homes-designed and built by college students. ...This year, there were 38 entries..." (New York Times: Technology)
LEED Ratings for Homes
Guidelines from U.S. Green Building Council. (LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Green Home Building
Covers a variety of related topics, with plenty of opportunities to buy stuff.
Modern Green Living
'Database of green residences and communities' for finding 'green architects, builders, remodelers, interior designers, realtors, and green building consultants near you.'
Green Homes for Sale
Search and/or browse listings of green homes for sale throughout the U.S.
Dream Green Homes
Alternative-home plans available for preview and purchase.
Smart Communities Network
Financing options (Fannie Mae, HUD, Home Depot Foundation, etc.), publications, links.
American Lung Association
Information on the Health House Project, plus news, events, builder guidelines, owner tips and guidelines, sharing, more.
Home Depot
Home Depot brands green products with their own 'Eco Options' label, which means the product has less of an impact on the environment. Lots of green-home-improvement info here.
Lowe's
Their Healthy Home Improvement page, which addresses Healthy Home, Cleaning Tips, Healthy Living and Related Products.
Green Home Environmental Store
If you can't find what you want locally, these guys offer all sorts of online services and green products for the home via mail order.
Regreen Program
Best practices guidelines for sustainable residential improvement projects from the American Society of Interior Designers' Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council.Green Home Building Guidelines
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers a FREE guide that contains info on selecting a site, choosing materials, handling waste, water and energy efficiency, etc.
The Future of Solar-Powered Homes
November 1, 2007 -- Overview of the Solar Decathlon, which is "produced by the Department of Energy as a showcase for the latest high-tech solar homes-designed and built by college students. ...This year, there were 38 entries..." (New York Times: Technology)
LEED Ratings for Homes
Guidelines from U.S. Green Building Council. (LEED = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Green Home Building
Covers a variety of related topics, with plenty of opportunities to buy stuff.
Modern Green Living
'Database of green residences and communities' for finding 'green architects, builders, remodelers, interior designers, realtors, and green building consultants near you.'
Green Homes for Sale
Search and/or browse listings of green homes for sale throughout the U.S.
Dream Green Homes
Alternative-home plans available for preview and purchase.
Smart Communities Network
Financing options (Fannie Mae, HUD, Home Depot Foundation, etc.), publications, links.
American Lung Association
Information on the Health House Project, plus news, events, builder guidelines, owner tips and guidelines, sharing, more.
Home Depot
Home Depot brands green products with their own 'Eco Options' label, which means the product has less of an impact on the environment. Lots of green-home-improvement info here.
Lowe's
Their Healthy Home Improvement page, which addresses Healthy Home, Cleaning Tips, Healthy Living and Related Products.
Green Home Environmental Store
If you can't find what you want locally, these guys offer all sorts of online services and green products for the home via mail order.
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- MacusIntl MacusIntl Feb 27, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
- The Mcgraw Hill Smart Market report cited that green homes will be on the market for less time and possibly have higher resale value than comparable conventional homes.
Dual flush toilets save water and money
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- Monique_Nelson Monique_Nelson Feb 5, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
- I have clicked on so many of your links to find out more about green building codes, and green real estate. This is a very helpful lens, I will certainly be recommending it!
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- Sep 24, 2008 @ 3:23 am
- Hi,
I did not know much about green home before I visited your lens and it looks like you have provided lots of good information.
Checkout my the homebuilderresearch blog
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- Sep 24, 2008 @ 1:19 am
- This is really great lens, I does no before visiting this site about Green home. But I really glad to your lens and I learned more information about green home.
thanks you very much.
Checkout my thegeneralcontractorguide blog
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- dannystaple dannystaple Jul 13, 2008 @ 6:09 am
- Hi there, a like this lens. I am starting out on a lens about Growing your own food and also building useful stuff from junk you may have. I would also recommend people read make magazine for ideas on building and reusing stuff in their home to save power and waste. Now does anyone know of a green support group in Northolt, UK?
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I'm a publisher living in Las Vegas.
I'm not a Green expert. But I do have an strong interest in the subject. And years of experience organizing mate...
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