Is there such thing as a ‘green’ bubble?

Today I was reading on Inman News, and one of their quick polls attracted my attention. It was entitled “What will be the next bubble to burst?” Although only about 18 had voted when I viewed the poll, which is not indicative of any widespread opinion, the results showed that the real estate bubble having burst already, the “green” bubble will be the next in line.

I’ve really liked the idea of “green” products and “green” housing, but this poll made me step back and think about it a little bit.  Is it more than just a passing phase to all of us?  Will I be as concerned about it in 20 or 30 years?  My conclusion is that environmental friendliness will never go out of style, although we may cease to label everything “green” that helps the environment.  I think the energy efficient lifestyle is a trend or a novelty to some people, but a permanent way of life for others.  There really is no ‘bubble’ to those who truly care about the earth and will continue to live their lives according to those principles.

As energy efficient products are used on a wider scale, their general usage will establish them as the norm and prices will decrease.  It would make no sense to me for any company who has established an energy efficient line of products to stop making them.  Of course, the consumer will dictate if it makes sense for the manufacturers to make them, but as prices drop, why would consumers not buy a product that saves them money on their energy bills?  They’re just smarter products.  Why revert to energy hogs? 

Some products may never drop to the price levels of thier non-green competitors.  Cleaning products, bags, clothes, etc. may always cost significantly more to produce, so their price will remain higher.  But I still think some people will buy those products.  They are very popular among certain demographics. 

You can’t compare other bubbles, such as the real estate bubble, to a so-called ‘green’ bubble.  Housing and hybrids are two entirely different things.  My prediction is that we’ll see more labeling of products as ‘green’ and energy efficient as time goes on, until they become commonplace.  There will be holdouts, just as there are Ford F-350 owners who will never buy a Prius, but the Prius and its green friends will continue to thrive.

Tags: green bubble, green housing, energy efficient, real estate bubble, environment

Utah home builders who have gone ‘green’

I know I’ve been talking a lot lately about ‘going green’ in your home, but it has really sparked my interest and I think it’s important.

One thing that I didn’t talk about last time is who to hire to build a green home for you. I became interested in this question after I paid a visit to my sister and saw a house being build behind her that claims to be entirely ‘green’. So who can you turn to?

Instead of compiling a list myself, I’ll refer you to a good website that has a bunch of information on green builders – this website calls them Energy Star builders, but it’s the same thing. The website is Energy Star Builders in Utah.

They have created a list of builders who have a minimum five-star rating on the HERS scale. Some names I think you’ll recognize, but some I had never heard of.

You’ll probably find that building a green home will cost more than a regular home. It might make sense to some people, but others might not be able to justify the cost. We’re not here to vilify people who don’t build green home – everybody can do something to be environmentally responsible. If building an energy efficient home fits into your plans, then more power to you.

Tags: Utah home builders,Green Utah homes,energy efficiency,utah real estate,real estate

Making your home green – where to start*

There is so much information going around now about going green. We hear it in so many different places and in so many different ways – it can get a little overwhelming. So I’ve tried to simplify and make a list of where to start inside and outside of your home to get going with a green lifestyle. The list is in no particular order – just all good things.

1. Replace the lightbulbs. This one is obvious and easy to do, and will save you a bit of money on your power bill. Chances are you’ve been buying the cheapest bulbs at the store, but their lifespan is usually terrible. The kind you will want to buy are ‘compact fluorescent light bulbs’. They cost a few dollars more, but you’ll save a lot in the end. For more in depth info, look at this Lowe’s light bulb buying guide.

2. Replace your shower head and faucets with low flow versions. This is a great way to save money on water bills, and you don’t have to pay very much for the fixtures. Some people think that low flow means barely any water pressure, but you can find faucets and shower heads that don’t sacrifice any pressure, while still saving water. If you want to go even further, there are toilets that save on water too, although you may have to pay a bit more to replace those. Before you make your decision on which ones to buy, look at this Consumer Reports appliance rating page from the Utah Division of Water Resources.

3. That last link also had reviews of washers, which brings me to the next point. If you are buying appliances for a new home, or you have enough money to replace existing appliances, Buy Energy-Star appliances. You can find them everywhere now, and they’ll save you 10%-30% on your bills. Refrigerators, air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters – they all come in energy efficient models. Also remember to have furnaces and heaters checked every few years to make sure they’re running their best. Change the filters often too. Here is another link to a really good page that will guide you through energy efficient appliances: Lowe’s Energy-Star informational page.

4. Eliminate the drafts. Heating or cooling will decrease energy efficiency if there are drafts or air leaks in the house. Air leaks in windows can be remedied with caulk and weather stripping. The front door might also have problems, in which case you may need a door blower test to find any cracks that are letting out air. In addition, make sure your insulation is sufficient, especially if you own an older home. Many older homes don’t have insulation in the attic, so start there. In sum, any spots in the home where you feel air might be getting in or out, should be looked at and fixed.

Moving outdoors:

5. Xeriscape some of your yard. Xeriscaping saves a lot of water by removing moisture sucking grasses and plants and planting native water-wise plants. Most people love at least a little grass – I do too – but it’s not necessary in every corner of your yard. Many people have opted for water-wise plants in their parking strips or in front yards where there is not a lot of use for the grass. By cutting down on grass, you save water, gas from the lawn mower, and time used up by mowing.

And before you get the idea that your yard wouldn’t look as beautiful without all that grass and water-sucking plant life, look here at some Utah water conservation gardens and see how nice it really can look.

6. Plant a shade tree. This will protect your home from some wind and will cool it in the summer. This is kind of a sore subject for me since the house my parents live in in South Jordan had a huge Cottonwood shade tree for 25+ years until last winter when they had to cut it down. It was a sad day because I love shade trees. I think you would too.

7. Don’t turn on the sprinklers in the middle of a hot day, or right after it has rained. How many times do you see sprinklers spraying away on a 100 degree day in the middle of the afternoon? Instead, turn them on at night when the water won’t all evaporate instantly. And if it rained nicely the day before, there’s no need for the sprinklers.

That’s all I can think of right now, but let me know if you can think of anything else. For more help with any of the indoor stuff, there are great people at Lowe’s who know a lot. For the outdoors, you won’t find more knowledgeable people than those at Red Butte Garden and Cactus and Tropicals.

*My service doesn’t stop here! In addition to maintaining The Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate Blog, I also help people buy and sell homes in Utah. When you need help with either of these, contact me!

Tags: Green Utah homes,going green,xeriscape,water wise plants,energy efficiency