Mary Ann and I have been attending a multi-week class about “green” real estate, and we want to use this blog share some of what we’ve learned with you. “Green” means different things to different people, but a good starting point is a general definition of what makes a home “green.”

Ideally, a green home will offer all of the following benefits:

• Energy and water efficiency - through both smart design and technology (such as efficient appliances), a green home uses less energy and water.
• Produces less pollution - both in the manufacture of the materials and the use of the home, a green home is better for the environment.
• Cleaner indoor air - low toxic building materials and finishes means your home isn’t filled with formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds, and other toxic fumes.
• Costs less to own - by using more durable materials and energy efficiency, a green home costs less in the long run.
• Preserves resources - uses sustainable and recycled resources whenever possible.
• Protects the immediate environment - careful construction practices and site selection ensures the development doesn’t destroy the area around it.

That list may have you singing, “It ain’t easy bein’ green,” but more and more builders in our area are building beautiful homes that meet those standards and more.  And for those of us who can’t go whole-hog into the green thing, there are still many ways we can make choices when we purchase or remodel a home that are healthier for ourselves and our environment. 

I will write more in future blog posts about the different “shades of green,” the different types of certification for green homes, new construction versus “recycled homes” (I love that term for my 1938 Ballard Cape Cod!), and the details of various features that you would find in a green home.  The teacher of one of our recent classes said, “Green isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.”  I like that idea, and I hope you will join us as Mary Ann and I embark on this journey of learning more about being green.