Green Fact Check and Happenings in Green Real Estate!!!!
Green Fact Check
Everyone wants to be green these days and with that comes a lot of “green washing.” Green washing is putting a green label on a product to make it attractive. I am always on the lookout for the loosely interpreted green fact or green related technology. Case in point, I attended a seminar hosted by a custom builder this past week. A person in the audience asks a question about green building and Energy Star rated homes. Sorry, I do not remember her exact question. The answer that was given was for the most part correct, but there was some misleading information provided also.
The part I question is what is the threshold for a home to be qualified as Energy Star compliant? The briefer stated in no uncertain terms that a home must be 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residence Code (IRC) standards. However, in a brochure he provided it stated homes must be at least 15% more energy efficient. I also checked the Energy Star website (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features) and found the correct figure is 15%. The website does go on to say that these home typically include features that take the savings as high as 20 t0 30% over standard built homes.
You might say, so what? Well, when a builder is saying he builds his home to Energy Star standards and also says to qualify they must be at least 30% more efficient than a comparable home there is 15% of energy savings at stake. In choosing a new home builder I would go with one telling me he could get me 30% savings vs. 15% any day. This just highlights why we have to be educated on green building and ready to challenge any claim by asking for proof!
Happenings in Green Real Estate
There are two events going this weekend. The Cibolo Canyon Builders Showcase Expo (www.sabuildersexpo.com) at the Alamo dome. Some of the suppliers and subcontractors from the Parade of Homes and of course the builders will be there. Green Street will be back highlighting the latest in green technology for the home.
The 9th Annual Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair (http://theroundup.org/index.php) will be in Fredericksburg this weekend also. This is where the grass roots heavy hitters in green technology will be. If you want to see electric cars that are being used on a daily basis this is the place to see them. If you want to learn about LEEDs (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) cetified homes there will be a couple of presentation on LEED certified homes in the Austin area. You can also learn about and sample local organic produce.
I will be at both events...I just hope next year they are on different weekends...The last couple of years they have been held on the same weekend.