[Part 1] Should Green been in your future, when it comes to homes?

With over 100 different green certification rating systems for residential properties in the world, things can get rather confusing pretty quick for both buyers and sellers. In theory, these rating systems are an excellent tool for determining just how green a home is. In practice, however, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you are indeed getting a green home, and if those features are worth the extra money.

When most people think of “green features” for homes the first things that come to mind are likely drought-resistant landscaping and solar panels. These installations alone, while great steps in the right direction, aren’t enough for a home to be considered green. In fact, there are different levels and standards of “green homes,” and many agencies responsible for determining the criterion for these distinctions.

At the lowest levels, a green home must be energy efficient. Cooling, heating and venting systems must be installed and designed for optimum performance. Other important features include a water management system, LED lighting, low-energy appliances, and a thermal enclosure system that keeps heat out during warmer months and keeps cold air out during the cooler months.

In the US, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has standards outlined for their Energy Star certification, and, according to Asa Foss, the Director of Residential Solutions at the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C., 2 million homes in the U.S. alone have met these standards and received certification.

The next level up includes homes in the U.S. that have achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status. Mr. Foss indicated that 50,000-100,000 homes have met the additional criteria needed to reach silver, gold and platinum levels. These criteria include, but are not limited to the sustainability of building materials, indoor air quality standards, landscaping and insulation.

In addition to U.S. federal standards for green homes, there are other certifying entities, both locally and internationally, to consider. In Europe there is the BREEAM Certification, while California uses its own GreenPoint rating system. In Australia there is the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, while in the Southeast they primarily use the EarthCraft certification system. If things aren’t confusing enough, don’t forget to account for international green certifications like the Passive House Certification which is pretty popular in Austria and Germany.

One thing buyers and sellers can do to eliminate some of the confusion is to consult with a green-certified team. Having a team who understands the ins and outs of green features and is able to gather the data needed to do a Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum is invaluable. The team of real estate professionals should also be equipped to advocate for a green-appraiser who will then quantify the value of the green elements and share that information with potential lenders and buyers.

It is also important to remember that the needs of each buyer are different. While one buyer might run their air conditioning occasionally and rarely use their computers, another may blast the air conditioning all year and use computers in their home office 12 hours a day, six days a week. A professional team is able to help the different green certifications make more sense, and assist buyers in selecting homes with green features that best meet their unique needs.

Check back for [Part 2].

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