Realtor ®-The Woodlands Real Estate

Stephanie - I'm familiar with the theory, but not the practicing concept.  Any ecological progress we can make is a no-brainer. 

Bend Oregon builders are definitely building greener than in past years, with Central Oregon taking home a National Green Bulding Award two years in a row now. I think cost is a factor but many people are just afraid to try something new. A mix of education and cost in my opinion.

Steph,

Could it be because they are cost prohibitive. I think it is human nature to avoid change until somethin makes you change.

Hi Jason, Thanks. 

Hi Kelli, Thanks. The cost is not that much greater though. Cheaper than many Customs in fact.  I guess that would go back to education.  :)  Hmm...I guess USGBC needs to get busy. Thanks Kelli for stopping by.

Great point Jeff!  People fear change.  I didn't think about that.  Thanks!

I think a lot of it is education -- I have talked with a couple of builders in NH and they contend that the upfront cost is several thousand dollars more and will make their product too costly -- and not competitive -- so they don't build green  -- (of course high end builders will).  So, part of it is the builders themselves -- Then there is the consumer -- the consumer needs to know what the costs will be -- and how they can save later.  There is a lot of education that is needed.

Hi Joan, Thanks!  Education is ruling the poll!  :)

I'm going to go with cost.....it is not cheap to install solar panels and some of the water recapture systems.  This makes alot of sense but I think, at least in my area, home prices are so high that most of what you make goes towards your mortgage, not to mention gasoline costs for commuters!

I think many people have started to use the more efficient light bulbs, low flush toilets etc. Those are lower cost options that everyone can easily adopt. 

As far as new home builders, this is an area that disappoints me because I think they should be taking more of the lead in eco-friendly housing.

 

Steph~

Here in Asheville, green-built homes are RED HOT! In 2006, there were around 40 built. This year we are looking at about 400!  Of course Asheville is a progressive place with lots of creative people who are fast to catch on to healthy trends in living spaces (I'm smiling)... 

How Comes?? 1)costs..only about 50 cents a sq ft more...and the re-sale value is WAY better... 2) possibly consider market demand...driven by education...something YOU are actively bringing energy to remedy

When it begins to bennefit the person things will change. We have leaders that are afraid to act without polling data. You just have to keep it simple and be honest. Most people are trying to survive and make a living. Relating to Polar bears in New Orleans is a tough sell. People need to be educated on cost analysis not just in green living but in many other ways that are just as important. Many people welcome change but we need to look at what is holding us back. Do you drive an SUV that gets less then 30 miles a gallon? Ever heard of Sugar Cane to Ethanol,most likely a better product than corn. There are more corn senators is the answer. It goes on and on. Does Houston get its power from Nucilear energy?

I suppose it has somewhat caught on here...I think we need more education as well!

I think the points mentioned above, cost and education, are all very valid however, politics plays a major part in the center of all of this.

 

Just skimmed this post over but had a few ideas --

HSGBC and Leed - we all need to become a part and get the word out through blogs, press releases, etc. As Adam has said - PYRO Marketing.  I have not yet read the book (it is on order, it was sold out when I went to get it). I have watched Adam market his project and gained not only benefits for the homeowner but also exposure for the vendors -- and more importantly -- for Energy Efficient Building Models...On AR we are doing that with our ECO All-Stars posts! Pat yourself on the back for bringing this to the forefront and making it less scary to the general public

JaneAnne - great to see the growth in Asheville - how exciting! I don't remember what, but I also recall something I read the other day about Asheville and bicycling. Asheville sounds like it is on the forefront with forward thinking brokers like you...

All of us, paying so much for gas, utilities, rising food costs (due to transportation, etc) need to keep in mind -- as my Dad always said, KISS (if you don't know, email me). What got us to the point where we were so dependent on these "resources". I have an Amish community very close to me and I know they don't fret over electric bills or how much gas prices are at the pump -- they worry more about the hay to feed their horses. Now, our rising utility costs do affect prices of hay. Point being, their community is very sustainable with minimal outside sources for living.

JMHO - thanks for listening!!! 

Jeff - you say "Could it be because they are cost prohibitive. I think it is human nature to avoid change until somethin makes you change."

I read this as two different thoughts. 1. Could it be that our Perception makes us think it is cost prohibitive and 2. we have not educated people enough to know there is a better way -- WE are the educators

You are right - People have not been educated that it is NOT cost prohibitive and they have not been educated that this is a better way!!! We need to give them resources to light their way. 

Let me know if you want to know ways to begin to achieve this end.... 

Hi Ana, yes-the cost can be high if you go with a true sustainable home with solar panels, however there are other options.  I agree, the builders should be more proactive.  Read what I have to say to JaneAnne.

JaneAnne-I couldn't agree more. I wrote this post to open eyes and make people think. "Why have I not considered this?"  And guess what, I took another step towards trying to educate the consumers-actually 2 steps today.  ***I emailed Houstong Chronicle today regarding an article they did that did not completely portray LEED Building AND I JOINED USGBC TODAY!  I am so excited!  Can't wait to go and see what they have planned for the area. Thanks for this idea JaneAnne!

Hi Eric, the sugar cane way of producing Ethanol is more expensive than corn. Probably a better product, just not cost effective right now. They are working on a way to use emissions from power plants combined with pond scum and sunlight to produce ethanol at no added cost.  Years from being implemented, but actively on its way through research.  As far as benefiting the consumer....that goes back to education.  It does benefit the consumer.  Actually, it benefits the consumer as much as it does the environment. You also hinted on Political Agenda...I think you have a great point there as well. But that is another post.  :)  Thanks Eric for you input!

Hey Sally, I'm working on educating the masses here.  I think Hawaii would be a great place for GREEN buildling to flourish.

 

Oh! JaneAnne, I am so glad to see that your area is being Proactive on this!  That is wonderful news!  Sorry, I didn't mention that before.

Mana, I think you hit BINGO!

Mary, you hit BINGO too!  I am going to check out that book. Thanks! 

Mary, I want to know!  I want to know how to achieve this!

Very cool!  I think if it only costs .50 cents per square foot more, builders should be doing more and education would help those folks that are remodelling!

Hi Ana, you just brought up another good point. The GREEN remodel!  Can't forget that one.  We actually have some contractors in Houston that have been doing GREEN remodel for years.  Just a couple, but they are there.  Thanks for bringing that one up!

Stephanie, I'm completely off the point as usual. But I like what you have written here. I think you should put this on the back of your fliers or maybe on post cards promoting yourself. We have to try to influence one person at a time. When the demand goes up so will the supply.

Hi Dena, Wonderful minds think alike.  :)  I am setting a foundation for my marketing.  I know the answer to the question, but making someone think about it that had rejected the thought before....PRICELESS!  Ok, I stole that line.  :) 

Hi Stephanie:

I agree with the general sentiments mentioned here about education, perception of cost and builders/developers misreading the market fro green building features and design.  But for some reason the City of Chicago is going GREEN in a BIg Way. Here are some of the links: green construction and green roofs,  While Asheville is embracing green homes, conservation residential developments with green homes, as well as other types of green eco-investments, the mayor of Chicago has truly taken up the cause. There may still be hope for Houston! HAng in there.

It still comes down to cost.

I don't know ANYONE that wouldn't want to own solar panels. Ask anyone, if you could have Solar Panels for the same cost as regular Electricity would you do it. It's an overwhelming YES.

Everybody who sells anything knows the sales technique of trying to put the focus & push on VALUE, however, through all my years of Outside Sales, Car Sales, & Selling myself through Services I offered through various businesses, I KNOW that 95% of Americans just look at $. They could care less about Value if it costs too much. 

Everyone would love to have a Maid, a Professional Cook, & a Personal Trainer...We can see the Value in that, health, peace of mind, organization, more time for kids & other wholesome activities, etc., but what does it COST.

Sure GREEN is taking off, but not like it would if the COSTS didn't hinder it.

Hi Robert, that's funny becuase every time I ask that question people mention Solar Panels as the reason.  If you take Solar Panels out of the equation, what is the reason?  I agree, everyone looks for the almighty $$, I was just giving food for thought. Thanks for the input.

Hi Bill, sorry! I passed right by you.  I am glad that Chicago is stepping up to the plate. I think Houston will catch on, it will just take a little longer for it to make its' way here.  Thanks for stopping by!

I love the idea too. In Ohio, the resources are coming around, but not found as easily as in other major areas. Plus it does cost slightly more, and let's face it, America wants instant gratification at the lowest possible price. The thing people don't realize is that the up-and-coming trends in interior design have been taken from the green interiors that are leading the way. Earth colors are hotter now than they have been in years. Hopefully the manufacturers can take the lead to give the consumers the instant gratification at lower prices.

www.mystagedlife.com

Hi Rachel, you bring up a very good point that GREEN is "in" butmany don't know it's green.  :)  Thanks for bringing that up!

2 reasons: 1) cost 2) ignorance!

Thanks Laura

I think it is mostly cost. IF a regular water heater costs $300 and a Rinnai on demand water heater costs $3000 which do you think people are going to buy? (and I have no idea what they cost so I am just throwing numbers out there!) I would love to go more green but financially I have to do a little at a time. I am one of those that thinks watering a lawn is rediculous. If you live in an area where you have to water your lawn then you should plant native plants and give up on grass. Use rocks and other landscaping materials to fill in where you would have grass. Grass is for golf courses and cows. You can have a nice looking home without an acre of green grass. I have a koi pond with no electricity hooked up to it. It's not as clear as ones with filters but it is more "green" this way. I use solar powered landscape lighting. I haven't bought a regular light bulb in who knows how long. It's a little at a time to get us where we eventually want to be. If everyone did a little bit then we'd be years ahead of where we are now.

Hi Cheri'- The Rinnai system is not that much more. Actually, when you calculate what the savings are and add the Federal Tax Credit...it should be about the same.  Check out my Solar post.  You would be surprised how many misconceptions there are when it comes to green building.  It's not always as expensive as many believe it is. 

Sounds like you are doing a great job right now.  When you replace your a/c check out seer levels above code and you will get a really nice tax credit.  Also, Jeff Geoghan wrote a post regarding a neat Furnace and the company offers payment plans.  Pretty snazzy set up.  :)