More and more, people are recognizing the value of common sense. Yesterday brought two articles from national media. Why is this green movement going to last?
The Wall Street Journal (temp permanent free link here)
Today, heating and cooling of homes accounts for about 20% of U.S. energy use, according to federal estimates, and the movement towards greener homes is likely to help curb the country’s emission of greenhouse gases, experts say. And a survey last year by McGraw-Hill Construction found that for the first time, a majority of U.S. builders said they planned to use green features in at least 16% of their homes by 2007 — in what NAHB officials call “a tipping point” in builders going green.
Moving from materials to other aspects of green building, Johnston talked about household energy use. His common-sense rule: Use as little as possible. His common-sense reason: It helps save money and the planet. If you use less energy, you will save on your utility bills. You will save even more as the price of natural gas, fuel oil and electricity inevitably go up.
Green building is fast becoming something that more and more builders are doing, because they are encouraged by the market’s demands. One local builder has recently discovered that most of his homes are in fact, close to Energy Star level and is working to make that extra push. Every step forward is a good one.
I wonder if Mr. “Two Americas” Edwards’ new home is green.
More on what I have written in the “green” category here.
Technorati Tags: green, real estate
