If you are looking to buy a “green house” – Seattle is a great place to do that. There are several builders who have started specializing in building green homes and some homeowners have started using “green” products and building materials in their remodels.
Despite more awareness and a greater understanding about green building and what it means, there is still some confusion exactly what the term and concept means. There are generally five criteria: 1, environmentally friendly building site, 2, using an energy efficient design, 3, reducing water consumption, 4, promotion of quality indoor air and ventilation, and 5, using recycled products and sustainable products.
Newer homes often use LED lights now, which use a fraction of energy regular incandescent bulbs do. Energy Star appliances are used in most new homes and when homeowners are searching for a replacement of an old appliance. Energy Star appliances are certified to meet strict guidelines about how much electricity they require to operate. Many new homes now have toilets with 1/2 tank and full tank flush options.
Energy efficiency has been popular for some time, but unfortunately, making homes air tight has resulted in problems with mold, especially in moist climates like Seattle, however, new green homes are built with energy efficiency but also better ventilation technology.
Many countertops in green homes are now made of paperstone (recycled paper materials and resin) and floors are made of bamboo (and other sustainable resources).
If you are looking for a “green home” but don’t know where to find one, contact Kerstin at 206.276.5827.
Kerstin G. Brooks, ABR, Realtor
Brooks & Heinze Team
Remax NW Realtors
http://www.propertyinseattle.com/
Kerstin G. Brooks, Broker 