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Consumers Look for Energy-Efficient Appliances, Survey Finds
In a recent survey by Whirlpool Corporation, 84% of the consumers who were polled said that saving energy — and not saving water or time — is what they are looking for in home appliance efficiency. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents said that they actively look for the Energy Star label when they are making purchasing decisions.
Taking a closer look at what is driving consumer appliance purchases today, Whirlpool found that eco-efficient appliances beat out other items as the top choice in a dream kitchen. However, while the survey found that demand for eco-products is high, it also showed significant differences in the understanding of them between men and women and by marital status.
Among the results:
- Seventy-seven percent of married consumers said that they look for the Energy Star label versus only 59% of unmarried consumers.
- Seventy-one percent of males ages 35 to 44 were more attuned to high-efficiency laundry products compared to only 54% of their female counterparts in the same age group.
- Sixty-one percent of married and 64% of previously married consumers said they understood what high efficiency means in terms of laundry compared to only 51% of unmarried consumers.
- The majority of consumers ages 18 to 44 said they would have a high-efficiency washer in their dream laundry, while consumers ages 45+ said they would prefer a washer and dryer that are more ergonomically friendly. (Whirlpool noted that manufacturers increasingly are designing products to cater to this age group, which has half of the nation’s purchasing power. Appliance features include pedestals that raise the height of washers and dryers to reduce bending and controls with large knobs and audible cycle signals for those with limited vision or arthritis.
- Forty-four percent of consumers said they did not know if top-load washers consume more energy than front-loaders and 38% said that top-loaders did use more. (Whirlpool said that in fact, high-efficiency machines are available in both top- and front-load configurations, using up to 67% less energy and 70% less water and up to 73% less water and 77% less energy, respectively, as conventional top-loaders.
 ‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“The National Green Building Standard,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides “green” practices that can be incorporated into multifamily and single-family new home construction, home remodeling and additions and site development.
The standard covers lot design, resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environment quality; and owner education.
Currently the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, the National Green Building Standard is the benchmark for green homes.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here.
 The Future of Residential Construction Is Green
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 1,000 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 Attend the National Green Building Conference in Dallas
Attend the 2009 National Green Building Conference in Dallas on May 10-13 to learn more about the critical paths to green building, and to participate in interactive sessions and be part of the driving force for the green building and remodeling markets.
For more information and to sign up to be notified when registration opens, visit www.nahb.org/GreenBuildingConference.
‘Building Greener Neighborhoods’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Building Greener Neighborhoods,” available through Digital Delivery at BuilderBooks.com, shows those involved in building new communities the advantages and rewards of saving, planting and transplanting more trees in their developments.
The examples are drawn from decades of experience of land developers, home builders and urban foresters.
To download this publication in a PDF format, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
 ‘Profit from Building Green’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Profit from Building Green — Award-Winning Tips to Build Energy Efficient Homes,” available through BuilderBooks.com, showcases what energy conscious award-winning builders are doing, provides innovative energy-efficient features and covers successful techniques for building this niche market.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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