You have probably heard lots of buzz about “green” homes. But what does it really mean? Why should you go to the trouble of greening your existing home, or insisting on green building practices when you build a new home?

First, let’s define “green.”  It can mean a lot of things, but when it comes to houses, we are generally talking about three things:

• Energy and water saving features. This includes elements like air sealing and insulation, the positioning of the structure on the home site to minimize energy loss, energy saving appliances, low-flow fixtures, water-saving landscaping features, daylighting, and renewable energy systems.
• Healthy features. A green home avoids the use of materials that off-gas toxic substances. Attention is also placed on ensuring excellent air quality and the availability of natural light to support occupants’ health.
• Environmental responsibility. This means paying attention to how the materials used in a building affect the environment during manufacture, transport, use and disposal — and choosing ones that are the least harmful when possible. For instance, locally sourced and/or recycled materials are often chosen for green homes because less fuel is burned during manufacturing and/or when transporting them to the site.

6 Great Reasons to Build Green

Now that we’ve defined what green construction is, let’s explore reasons to include green features in your new home or upcoming remodel:

1. Green homes are more durable and require less maintenance. One important tenet of green construction is to build the home to last. This helps keep materials out of the landfill. Building with durable, quality materials saves money and maintenance hassles in the long run, too.
2. Green buildings are cheaper to heat and cool. Every energy saving feature will pay for itself many times over the life of the home. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that proper air sealing and attic insulation will save the typical homeowner up to 20 percent of their heating and cooling costs, month after month.
3. Green homes save water. Water is quickly becoming a limited resource, even in the U.S., where water table depletion is starting to affect crop production. Installing water saving features helps reduce your impact on your local water supply. It will also save you money by reducing your water bill. This may be an even greater advantage in the future as water prices rise. The agency estimates that if everyone in the U.S. installed water-saving faucets, we would save $350 million each year!
4. Green houses have higher resale value. Studies show that homes with green features retain their value in the marketplace and often sell faster than comparable conventional homes.
5. You’ll feel better in a green home. Better ventilation and less exposure to off-gassing means you’ll likely get sick less often. You may find that you work more productively, too!
6. You will reduce your impact on the environment. Many green homeowners enjoy calculating how much less carbon they are putting into the atmosphere than the typical home. A green home will make you feel good that you are doing your part to help the environment. (If you would like to know your own impact, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s carbon footprint calculator.)

As you plan your new home or remodel, consider including green features, and/or working with a builder who routinely incorporates green construction techniques such as air sealing. You may be surprised that they do not always cost more — but remember that value is more than price alone. Even if you invest a little more up front, your green home features will usually pay themselves back, saving you significant money over time. And you’ll feel great knowing you’ve made the healthy choice for yourself and the planet.

Author Bio: Vicki Curtis is the Marketing Director for Maryland Home Builders, Curtis Homes. For over 50 years, the Southern Maryland semi-custom home builder has been providing premium homes and townhomes while making the transition into their new home as easy as possible.