Asheville Board of REALTORS^®

Green building is a vague term that has no real definition but has gained widespread attention in the last couple of years. Marketing firms are branding the green concept in order to capitalize on consumers' desires to live in a environmentally and socially sustainable manner. "Green buildings" encompass a wide variety of real estate from conservation based subdivisions with homes that are off the grid to mixed-use buildings that have residential condos above ground floor retail. Your ECO Consultant can help you determine the type of green real estate that best fits your needs and she or he can also help you distinguish between true green real estate and real estate that is being Green Washed (e.g. homes that are not environmentally and socially sustainable but are being marketed as such.)

With the many newspaper headlines these days on global warming and rising fuel and food costs, it's becoming more common knowledge that we need to make changes in the way we live.

Not as many people are buying cars that use a lot of gas. They want fuel economy. Hybrid sales are rising and SUV sales are dropping. Both fuel economy and a concern for emissions and our environment need to influence our decisions. That's the trend and I don't think it's a fad.

The same needs to become true of the homes we live in. If we're shopping for a new house, we need to think of energy efficiency. But that's just one aspect of "green." We also need to think of many other things. The following list is adapted from the U.S. Green Building Council checklist:

• Location: It's better for your pocketbook and the environment if you choose a place to live that's near the places you have to go. You'll use less gas. You should also choose a place that isn't environmentally sensitive, like a steep slope.
• Size: Smaller is better! You'll use fewer resources.
• Building Design: It's not hard to design a structure to access natural light - 75% is good, shade from the heat, and windows and a roof to reduce summer heat gain.
• Green Building Materials: As much as possible, use non-toxic, rapidly renewable materials. You can get wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and even use salvaged and recycled materials and items.
• Insulation: Use enough non-toxic, high-R factor insulation to keep the heat in during cold months and out during the hot.
• Windows, exterior doors: Use Energy Star doors and windows and be sure they are tightly sealed.
• Energy Effiency: Use efficient lighting, heating, cooling, water-heating and Energy Star appliances.
• Renewable Energy: You may be able to generate some of your own energy. Solar hot water is one simple way to do this.
• Water Efficiency: Use special kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Consider a rainwater collection and storage system. A graywater system may be another possibility.
• Indoor Air Quality: Did you know that breathing problems like allergies and asthma are on the rise and indoor air is the main reason? You need good natural ventilation, HVAC clean air circulation, protection from garage fumes, use of non-toxic materials, cleaners and furnishings.
• Landscaping:Provide shade for exterior walls, driveway, patios and other hardscape. Use native, drought tolerant plants.