Question

What are value propositions for eco houses?

Answer 1

Environmentally sustainable homes are the way of the future. Latest research from the United States indicates that green property has been shown to achieve prices higher than comparable homes by at least 10 to 15 per cent. The home performance study found the green home movement is gaining momentum and there has been an increase in certified green homes and homes with green features in more cities in the US. We 're likely to see a similar pattern emerge in New Zealand – with more green home building as people realize the environmental impact of our country's residential sector. The residential sector alone in the US accounts for 22 per cent of the nation 's overall energy consumed and 74 per cent of the water. It also contributes to emitting carbon dioxide. The considerable impact that houses create on the environment makes this shift to sustainable residences unavoidable. Green home building tackles these environmental concerns by encouraging the design and construction of homes which have a far higher standard of efficiency than homes designed up to the minimum building code. Green homes are generally healthier, more comfortable, more durable, more energy efficient and have a much smaller footprint than conventional homes. This study also reveals that, based on a survey of 68 certified homes, energy-certified homes in the Seattle metro area sell at a price premium of 9.6 percent relative to non-certified equivalents. In the metro region of Portland, licensed homes sell at a price premium of between 3% and 5%. However, the certified homes stayed less than the non-certified homes on the market for 18 days. Many green initiatives, particularly those involving energy and water usage, would reduce long-term costs for both the environment and the bank balance for the homeowner. Reductions in running costs will more than cover a green home 's increased construction costs, generating what is referred to as a triple bottom line (people, income and planet) for the smart homeowner.