Green Building Demand Gains Momentum

Green building continues to gain momentum every year as demand grows and builders begin to focus on filling that demand. Going green no longer means geodesic domes or strange-looking houses, owned by staunch environmentalists. Green has become more and more mainstream over the past several decades, until a sizable number of new homes contain at least some green features.

Green Sustainable Forests

Even something as seemingly insignificant as using lumber that has been certified as coming from sustainable forests by the Forest Stewardship Council contributes to the green revolution in building. The same is true with using 2x6 studs in outer walls, which serves two purposes: allowing builders to use less lumber by spacing studs farther apart and to use thicker insulation between the studs. Although FSC-certified lumber is still a bit hard to get and costs about 20 to 30 percent more than standard lumber, the additional cost only translates to a few thousand dollars, which is often negligible, considering the cost of most new construction today. However, as more forests become FSC compliant, the cost of that lumber should decrease.

Home Buyers Demand Energy Efficiency

The increase in green building techniques is driven in large part by consumer demand, which in turn has been driven by the ever-increasing cost of energy. The more it costs to heat and cool a home, the higher the demand for ways to lower those energy costs. The increased demand for green building will continue to bring more and more contractors into the field to fill the need. It's a cycle that's likely to continue to escalate, which is good for everyone concerned, and the planet as a whole. In fact, many economists are predicting that eventually the overwhelming demand for green homes by consumers will translate into a total shift in that direction.

Other relatively easy, but cost effective green techniques include such things as wrapping ventilation systems, using Energy Star certified appliances, and using low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets. All of those measures can significantly increase the efficiency of a green home and save thousands of dollars over the years in reduced heating, cooling, and water consumption.

Nationwide Expansion

The green revolution isn't just on the West Coast or other trendy areas. The demand for green homes can be seen nationwide. In fact, there are a number of builders across the country that have seen their entire construction business shift to green homes. A large part of that increased demand has been generated by increased awareness by the general public about the various concepts of green building.

For instance, when consumers hear that they can heat and cool a new 3,000 square-foot home for less than $125 a month, that gets them excited about the possibilities. In the very near future, as more and more consumers become familiar with the various concepts of green building, that trend is likely to escalate exponentially, and as energy costs continue to rise, getting customers to incorporate green building techniques and technology into their new construction projects will become an increasingly easier upgrade to sell.

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