Green-Dreaming? I was reading a newsletter from one of our city commissioners here in Asheville today.
She seems to be "dreaming green" and her fans say she is a "light in the community" ... From what I know, she challenges Asheville's citizens to apply some creative "human energy" to look at the city's trajectory. She suggests that we work together to build positive futures. Depending on a variety of lifestyles and choices, solutions to how a city thrives may differ.
(Photo of eco consultant and his dog taken at eco community, Hickory Nut Forest near Asheville. )
So, from the perspective of real estate professionals and our clients, tonight I am wondering (like the fellow in the photo here who's imagining how the future conservation neighborhood he's exploring will unfold) how this would take shape not just here in Asheville, but in your town.
Here are a couple ideas:
- Put into play a plan for sustainable neighborhoods with renewable energy resources powering them.
- Imagine how to modify homes so that water, wind and solar power are not only energy efficient but save money...
- Spur a renaissance of urban neighborhoods with community gardens. (Organic, of course)
- Create eco-friendly neighborhoods where new green-built homes are designed with natural, non-toxic materials to be safe, healthy, energy efficient.
I am intrigued with the notion of being a part of designing a "net zero energy homes community" that creates more renewable energy than we use. Are you?
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I am finding that things in my community are moving very slowly and there is a lot of resistance to change -- and the excuse is that "green costs too much". We certainly have our work cut out for us. The zoning laws need to be changed and there is little enthusiasm about doing so. It is going to be challenging.
Here in Albuquerque we have a very enthusiastic green mayor and an abundance of wind and sun. We are also blessed with multiple Native American cultures that have always been nature oriented. Adobe homes, deep set windows, passive solar orientation and xeriscaping are the way that things have been done for centuries. The challenge s to update them and combat urban sprawl.
Joan, if you need information about how affordable green is and how it can SAVE money, the department of energy EnergyStar website has great information on simple steps that give major payback right away--from the simplicity of changing your lightbulbs to CFL and weatherstripping and making sure your ceiling fan blades are turning in the right direction to distribute the heat or cooling where you want it to go.
I was just talking to a builder friend who is having problems with a developer with townhouses. These townhouses have the capability of having an elevator installed in them.
Hi janeAnne! Love the ideas that are being developed in your neck of the woods. Our primary is tomorrow and I am trying to help a friendrun for city commissioner that is all about downtown change. Ashville reminds me of Richmond KY where I live. I know she would like the idea of a community garden. Love your blog!(and your pic!)
Joan~
You commented on noticing "...a lot of resistance to change..." Possibly we human beings are not so adaptable as we would like to think we are...UNTIL there is a crisis (Katrina,etc.) ...then we can excel at "change"...
As real estate professionals, we are in such a strong position to avoid crises by taking the time, as you do, to let our clients know how eco-savvy building , sustainable building, is so beneficial not only in the short run, but in the years to come...
Deb~
Seems you have the perfect combination for success! You commented..."...Albuquerque we have a very enthusiastic green mayor and an abundance of wind and sun..."
What a pleasure it must be to be in the real estate business in your town.
Susan~
Having the potential of elevators (at least the potential) could mean a sustainable future...
Lizette~
You mentioned a city community garden. I love that idea! Here in Asheville we do have a City Farmer's Market...great local organic produce...
Hi janeAnne, There are a few of us down here trying to get some more energy moving in the real estate aspect of green. I would also LOVE to see a net zero community. Hmmm... blog fodder. :0) Hoping that 2008-2009 will have some wonderful green and sustainable surprises in Houston.