Are people really buying ‘green’ homes?

Green-rated homes are becoming more popular
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Builders tried for years to entice prospective homeowners to purchase green materials for their new homes. Not as many people as hoped took the bait. Perhaps it was cost or merely a lack of interest, but now builders have a different approach.

More and more companies are deciding to build greener homes at no extra cost…and it’s working. Houses are outfitted with solar power and other green features which ensure buyers will save on their utility bills and other household expenses.

Markets in Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix and Tucson have seen a rise in interested buyers, particularly because the costs are more reasonable and the promise of cheaper electricity is a significant selling point. KB Homes has noticed a 30 percent increase in interest for green homes now that the costs have remained ‘reasonable.’

In 2010, sales for green homes were at nine percent. Last year, that number rose to 17 percent. The National Association of Home Builders predicts the numbers will reach between 22 and 25 percent by next year.

The Green-certification debate

Green-rated homes, such as the Energy Star rating, have been a hot topic within the real estate market for several years now. While studies have shown consumer interest in green-rated homes, signs have also pointed toward those homes selling for a premium.

A study done in California between 2007 and 2012 showed green-rated homes were worth 9% more than non-rated homes. Researchers were also able to make a link between environmentally conscious people who owned hybrid cars, like the Prius, and the likelihood of paying a premium for a green home.

The designation of a green home can be done through different organizations. Energy Star is a certification started by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. LEED certification was created by the U.S. Green Building Council and GreenPoint was created by Build It Green, a non-profit organization.

Though the National Association of Home Builders is keen to continue on this green trend, particularly now that it's gaining traction, the National Association of Realtors has tried to limit green labeling as it feels this will adversely affect resale values for non-certified houses.

What do you think about this debate? Are you in favor of green labeling? Would you pay more for  a green-rated home, even if it'll help the resale value?

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times

Making green homes greener

Electrocorp's AirRhino AH
can easily be integrated into
an HVAC system

Environmental consultants and experts are often involved in the construction of green homes. Though some people are not willing to pay extra money for 'smog-eating' tile, as they can't always see the benefits of such an investment, an air cleaner is often a more welcome addition.

Electrocorp provides several types of air cleaners for the home. As HVAC systems are common in new homes, an air cleaner such as the AirRhino AH can be attached to the central air system, thereby cleaning the air throughout the house. This unit has a medical-grade HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter which help remove particles, chemicals and gases from the air. 

For more information on Electrocorp's air cleaners, contact us.

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North American airports go to new heights: Going green

Airports across North America
are embracing the green movement
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos

Airports across North America are jumping on the green bandwagon and making some drastic operational changes. Over the past year, more than five airports have moved in a more eco-conscious direction.

The two areas airports are focusing on are:

• Incorporating solar power in their existing infrastructure  

• Aiming for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) Certification

LEED Certification

LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a resource companies can use to ensure they are complying with green practices in the areas of building design, operations, construction and maintenance.

In the past year, at least three airports have been LEED certified.  

The Winnepeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport in Manitoba is Canada’s first LEED certified airport and features natural lighting and mechanical systems that help to reduce consumption.  The airport is 25 percent more efficient than Canada’s building code requires.

The Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal in Atlanta received a LEED Silver certification and its green features include water and energy conservation, as well as good indoor air quality. The airport has also used low VOC materials for the buildings, which include paints, sealants and recycled wood products. 

The San Francisco International Airport has redone Terminal 2 and garnered a LEED Gold certification for its efforts. The terminal’s eco-conscious features include recycling some of the original infrastructure of the space, while saving on water and energy consumption and reducing overall waste.

Solar Power

Though several airports have made strides to install solar panels on their buildings, there are two airports of particular note that are creating solutions that are both cost effective and eco-friendly.

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recently revealed plans to refit the rooftops on the car rental center and two other garages with 5.4-MW of solar power. The expectation is that 51 percent of the energy utilized by those buildings will be solar powered, resulting in $ 4.7 million in savings over the next 20 years.

The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority in Tennessee has already implemented one element of its plans by setting up a 1-MW array close to the airport which has already reaped benefits. In just two months, that array helped save over 62 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the air. The airport hopes to build a solar farm that will, when completed, consist of 3-MW of solar power, an ambitious project for a smaller airport.

Have you been to any of these airports? Let us know what you thought!

Source: Earth Techling

Taking green one step further

Electrocorp's I-6500 series
are designed for use with
HVAC systems

The trend toward greener airports is encouraging and environmental consultants have undoubtedly been involved in helping to realize these various plans.

As with any construction or refurbishment project, materials are not the only concern for ensuring good indoor air quality. An air cleaning system which operates continuously is a necessity when expecting good indoor air quality on a long-term basis.

Installing air cleaners within HVAC systems in airports will help clean the air of particle and chemical pollutants through the use of HEPA and activated carbon filters.  As a result, in addition to an eco-conscious ethos, airport authorities can ensure healthy air quality for both employees and travelers.

For more information on Electrocorp’s air cleaners, call one of our IAQ experts at 1-866-667-0297 or contact us through our website.

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