With middle and upper class young couples looking to ecologically sound construction, eco friendly property has officially hit mainstream status.
While going 'green' continues to grow in popularity, more home builders and developers are choosing to take the higher ground and either push the more expensive eco-friendly products onto buyers, or simply take it upon themselves to implement the technology.
Previously, prospective home buyers would bring up the subject of eco-friendly materials but once the higher upfront cost was announced, the subject would be quickly dropped. Now home builders are further explaining not only the monetary savings brought about over the long run, but also the implications that going green has on the environment.
John Beldock, CEO of EcoBroker summed it up when he said, "Not a lot of people would rather pay $300 when they could pay $150 on their energy bill. Same thing with indoor air quality. Many more than 90% would rather have a house with good indoor air quality."
This trend of home builders taking the initiative to ask potential buyers to think further than simple green steps like light bulbs and consider nearly everything else about a home that can be 'green', from the wood that is used, to the tiles is essential in ensuring a carbon neutral environment in the years to come. A relatively popular subject in the world of eco-friendly materials are insulation materials made from recycled products.
ulia Watermiller, an Iowa realtor, talks with potential buyers about insulation made from recycled denim jeans and pieces, leading to a reduction in carbon output. As more realtors and builders begin pushing the ideas, more buyers will become aware of their own environmental impact.
Meanwhile, across the pond in the U.K., Julian Pilling of the firm Kirkdale Developments has converted an old manor house to not only be efficient, but quite eco-friendly. The residents experience relatively much lower fuel bills due to the addition of a biomass boiler fed by woodchips. The 37-year-old developer who is also a resident within the converted manor states, "We have a social conscience. But we're working at the top end of the market where quality matters, and most of our buyers are interested in becoming more environmentally friendly. They like the thought of living in a green home." It seems to be just a matter of time before these green ideas catch on worldwide.
