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Builders See Cost Savings Move Green Into the Mainstream
To bring green into the mainstream, builders need to ensure that their consumers understand the value of green upgrades and their cost-effectiveness over the long run, according to four green home building professionals appearing at a press conference during last month’s International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
Builders, remodelers and product manufacturers are beginning to adopt sustainable practices and are incorporating more energy-, water- and resource-efficient features. They are also learning how to reduce waste on the job site to save enough money to pay for these upgrades and make a profit, said Steve Bertasso, a Nashville consultant for True North who helps builders achieve these measures.
Green building has truly reached the tipping point because it's moving out of the custom home market into the realm of high-production homes, he added. "This year is going to be a big change in the production building environment," Bertasso predicted. "Consumers are asking questions they didn't ask two and a half years ago and contractors are making better decisions."
The key to reducing the nation's energy use is to make existing homes green, said Philip Beere, founder of Green Street Development, who is remodeling distressed properties near Phoenix's new rapid transit line. Adding insulation, improving the ventilation and air conditioning systems and replacing turf grass with landscaping more appropriate to the Southwest's desert climate doesn't cost much more than a traditional remodel, but "retrofitting these homes to be green is a good solution," he said.
Connecticut home builder Jim Pepitone, founder of Ark Ventures Construction in Madison, Conn., called himself a "late adopter," but one who has finally seen the value of green and believes the rest of the industry can't be far behind. Builders need to educate consumers on air sealing, the importance of right-sized heating systems and good insulation, and the advantages of rooms that can serve more than one purpose so the home can be smaller and less expensive, according to Pepitone. "We need to make sustainable attainable," he said.
For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.
 ‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
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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. Nearly 4,500 people have earned the CGP designation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 ‘Build Green and Save’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Build Green and Save: Protecting the Earth and Your Bottom Line,” available through BuilderBooks.com, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read reference that shows builders how to identify and select green building materials; implement green construction techniques; explain the benefits of green housing and offer affordable green building solutions to consumers; and use resources wisely and reduce water and energy consumption.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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