Green Homes 101

“Green is a process, not a status. We need to think of ‘green’ as a verb, not an adjective.” — Daniel Goleman

We couldn’t agree more. Going green is a journey without a precise road map or a definitive destination. And, despite what some people might think, there’s no right or wrong way and no one can do it all. You can only do what works for you. And you should be proud of it! Our mission is to provide you with all the tools and information you’ll need on your journey to a green home. Here’s a snippet of the kinds of things you’ll find in our Green Homes 101 section:

  • Why Build Green Homes? Read this quick guide to learn about the key benefits. Beyond just being better for the planet, it’s also better for your health and for your budget.
  • Certifications – From home certifications like LEED to product certifications like Cradle to Cradle, you’re going to come across a lot of unique programs and you’ll want to make sure you understand them clearly before jumping on board. We translate the sometimes wonky policies and protocols and make each one understandable.
  • Green Homes – Eco-prefabs, eco-lux LEED homes, tiny homes, eco friendly manufactured homes, net-zero energy homes, earthships, shipping container homes, Living Building Challenge homes, Passivehaus homes, small green homes, green sustainable homes, the list goes on and on. Explore the endless inspiring options. We feature them in all their green glory to show how green can be completely gorgeous.
  • Healthy Home – Believe it or not, many conventional building materials contain chemicals that are harmful to our health. Green building uses safer, non-toxic alternatives (which exist for nearly everything), as well as other design features that promote health and well-being like natural lighting and siting in walkable neighborhoods.
  • Indoor Air Quality – People spend about 90% of their time indoors where the air is typically 3-5 times more polluted than outside (even in big cities!). Cleaning up indoor air by building and renovating right is clearly imperative for protecting occupant health in eco homes.
  • Budget Eco – Probably the #1 myth people believe about going green is that it’s more expensive. Sometimes, it’s a bit more up front, but saves you money over time. Other times, it can be cheaper right out of the gate. We’ll show you how to cut costs without cutting corners.
  • Before & After – Who doesn’t like seeing before and after photos? Not only is it interesting to see the transformation, it can be really helpful to see before pictures to get a sense of what’s possible with existing spaces. Some of our before and after pieces also include details from homeowners about the process, so you can learn from their experiences.
  • FAQs – Clearly, you’re not the first person to create a green home and you certainly won’t be the last. Check out our most frequently asked questions – and submit your own if you can’t find an answer. We’re here for you!
10 Eco Building Materials Revolutionizing Home Construction

10 Eco Building Materials Revolutionizing Home Construction

Want to hear some good news? According to the World Green Building Trends 2018 report from Dodge Data and Analytics, green building is officially a “global trend” and energy conservation is a top priority for people all over the planet. There are many choices of new (and old) materials which are being used in revolutionary ways.

WHAT EXACTLY IS GREEN BUILDING AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR HOMEOWNERS? [PODCAST]

WHAT EXACTLY IS GREEN BUILDING AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR HOMEOWNERS? [PODCAST]

Lots of people like the idea of building green, or a least a greener. But, although the term green building is often used, many of us are not quite sure exactly what green building is, or where to go to get easy to understand information about green building options. This week we have an interview that will help explain what green building is and why it’s important.

What Exactly is a Zero Energy / Net Zero Home? [Podcast]

What Exactly is a Zero Energy / Net Zero Home? [Podcast]

“Zero energy homes are just like any home—except better.” They are airtight, well-insulated, and extremely energy efficient homes that produce as much energy as they use, over the course of a year. Listen and learn!

The Basics of Green Building and Energy Efficiency [Podcast]

The Basics of Green Building and Energy Efficiency [Podcast]

On the House Planning Help Podcast, Ben Adam-Smith and his guests talk about building homes that are comfortable for us, but also kind to our environment. Like many of us, he is educating himself before he builds his own home. He’s exploring how we can build better homes and he’s passionate about educating people to build more sustainably and with greater energy efficiency.

18 Inexpensive Sustainable Homes Almost Anyone Can Afford

18 Inexpensive Sustainable Homes Almost Anyone Can Afford

According to HomeAdvisor, the typical new home built in the United States in 2023 was $121,099 to $502,765. And because buyers continue to outnumber sellers, that figure is rising. For buyers seeking a more affordable and sustainable new home, check out these alternatives.

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