Green Value, 
An Independent Research Study
Says "Thumbs Up" to Green-builts...
If you read my BLOG, you probably already guessed that. Nevertheless, this is exciting news of interest to REALTORS® and our clients.
The research corroborates ...independently... Green Value , taking a good solid look at what makes green buildings commendable, and does so in a large, international study in Canada, the USA and the UK.
The study concludes:
- There is clear link between the market value of a building and its green features
- Not only are green buildings good for the environment but they do provide healthier places to live
- Green buildings are more productive places in which to work
- Green office buildings can command higher rents and prices
- In general, Green built buildings do attract tenants more quickly, reduce tenant turnover and cost less to operate and maintain.
"With buildings consuming such a large share of resources," the study reports, " the green building movement has set about changing the way we design, construct, operate and generally, think, about buildings and communities. "
Here in Asheville, a hub of green building where "green value" is widely recognized, green builders and developers seem to be clued-in to the value of integrating sustainable concepts in building, but up until recently there has been no definitive study of the "green-value-added" factor.
So the big "thumbs up" is exciting to read about. Ppossibly, this independent research is an important step toward greater awareness of the pluses of green-builts in the real estate market.
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I think energy saving aspects of green have an immediate appeal these days. Some of the others are nice but where they add value is a lttle less clear
Charlie~
Green value has so many aspects...and good to know that these features are positive for us and for those to come...
janeAnne: There are green options available in a wide variety of price points. Even in the lower budgets, it's great to incorporate features like Energy Star certification, which can lower energy costs by 15-25% (and help the environment by reducing dependency on coal and other fuels that provide electricity).
Penny~
Absolutely! And it works to the benefit of everyone.
I like the idea that we can now point to an independent research study to corroborate what some have suspected but did not know for sure...
janeAnne ~ this is great news. There is still a lot of resistance to building green. Most often, I hear there is simply no money available in So. New Hampshire. Hopefully, this will help builders and developers understand green is a good way to go.
Good to read about all this green news! Our area is still way behind on doing anything with new housing. Usually, if it gets incorporated into the design it has been because a buyer has contracted it specifically for an independent home outside of cookie cutter neighborhoods.
Joan~
Possibly the best-news is yet to come...when "for sure" green concepts and sustainable products are mainstream...
Lizette~
More and more it seems that our clietns ARE choosing healthy-built, green-built alternatives...maybe all of us across the USA will see NON -cookie-cutter "green' subdivisions by the time our grandkids arrive (??)
I have been building green since the 70's - starting with energy efficiency and passive solar design. It is so encouraging to see the asects of sustainability and and healthy materials rounding out the program. It is also encouraging to see the independent studies and the media coverage that is bringing things into the mainstream. But I'll probably never get over the fact that common sense isn't enough to consider these things.
There are a lot of trade offs to make green affordable. The popular "Not So Big House" series has shown many ways to emphasise quality over quantity. I have recently started developing small modular home packages that are green, creative, and afffordable. The market for green homes is ready to pursue by people with vision.
Ron
Hi JaneAnne ~ It is great to see studies now confirming what people like Ron, who have been building this way from the 70's, have always know! Almost like third party verification in the building process! I love that this is an independent study and will take a look at it! I'm so glad you brought it to our attention!
Green, healthy, energy efficient homes don't have to be a dream. This is a consumer driven movement and reports like that which you have highlighted will help get the word out! Thanks for the good information!
Ron~
You commented, " The market for green homes is ready to pursue by people with vision..." and that sounds like poetry to my ears...How many people of vision will be arriving at our places of business in the near future? The trend seems to indicate the numbers will be significant.
Mary~
A GOOD POINT...you say that "Green, healthy, energy efficient homes don't have to be a dream. ..."
Of course this makes me smile. I do think that so many people are unaware ofjust how do-able a "green" home IS. But, as you say, " This is a consumer driven movement ..." so we shall see what trends continue to play out...