Quantifiable Green VS Advertising Ploy- Ask an EcoBroker

Don't be sold on "green" advertising ploys- ask questions. It's important that you understand that one of the biggest problems facing green building are the companies that learned a few terms that they like to throw around in conversation and display on trucks and in advertising: "Ask Me About Energy Efficient Homes." Searching for a home is an exciting time, and it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the possibility of living green- you just need to make sure that you're getting what you think you're buying. The best way for the consumer to overcome these advertising ploy problems is to ask questions. You might consider seeking out a Realtor certified in green homes- an EcoBroker. EcoBroker training puts the Realtor through rigorous classes that educates him/her with the same knowledge that a green builder obtains during certification. An EcoBroker can guide you to ask the right questions about the builder's experience and certification for building green. There are classes and certifications that green builders who actually build green will obtain. Ask what green building program the builder follows for his/her green-built homes. All green-built homes have to follow a green building program (NAHB/ANSI Program, LEED for Homes, EnergyStar, etc) to allow for third-party certification of integral parts of the home's construction (even in the planning phase). These programs also allow for the qualifying of tax credits, loan discounts, local benefits, and (most of all) they ensure that the home is a true, green home and that you haven't fallen victim to an advertising ploy.

Post your questions or comments... There are more green rants from a green builder/developer coming soon, so until next week- peace!

Green Building- Liberal Invention or Here to Stay

We know that there's been a lot of people trying to dismiss global warming and all that it entails. And those same people have been dismissing eco-friendly design and green building as the newest yuppie fad. But, it's definitely much more than that, and it's here to stay. When it's done correctly, third-party verified, and HERS Rated- there's no question about "green" being real. The results speak for themselves, and we're slowly seeing the tide turn in those people who are "non-believers." It's all because it eventually hits 'em where it hurts- their wallet. The hold-up for the general public is that a lot of those same folks who are non-believers and think that green building is a yuppie fad are builders and suppliers themselves. There are too many builders and suppliers who are too comfortable with (my most hated phrase) "doing things the way that they've always done them" and are simply unwilling to change. It's going to be important for the laws of economics to change this- supply and demand. The public has to begin to educate themselves about what green building and remodeling is all about, it's benefits, and why it's so important, and start to demand CERTIFIED green-built homes and offices. The case makes itself, but the public has to take interest, and a soapbox has to be created for those of us with the answers to be given the forum for the questions to be asked. I know that was a mouthful, but I hope that as I start writing in more detail in this blog, that the facts about green building/remodeling and eco-friendly design become clear to everybody.

There are more green rants from a liberal yuppie builder/developer coming soon, so until next week- peace!