(NC)—As global warming and climate change increasingly become a daily concern, more and more people are making environmentally conscious decisions especially when it comes to living green. Although the green movement is a fairly new concept, it has gained significant momentum in society and now affects our lifestyle, living space, landscaping, systems, and structure. Being energy efficient and making your home eco-friendly brings a variety of benefits including:
• Helping to prevent climate change by reducing your ecological footprint
• Making your home healthier and comfortable by addressing indoor air quality issues
• Protecting watersheds and animal habitats surrounding your home by making outdoor green improvements
• A more affordable lifestyle month after month
• Using materials that are more durable
• Requiring less maintenance
• A higher resale value for your home
• Peace of mind
As a result, consumer interest in sustainable building practices is definitely on the rise. A recent survey noted that 80% of respondents are installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting, 79% per cent are using technologically advanced, insulating glass windows, 64% are using recycled products and 50% are using more insulation than required (National Association of Home Builders - NAHB).
There are many ways in which you can start converting your home and it doesn't have to be by rebuilding a new one. There are small steps you can take such as:
• Replacing the insulation, windows, water heaters and air ducts
• Selecting healthy, environmentally responsible materials and products
• Conducting a green home audit to determine a variety of action steps
Because of the benefits associated with green living and the increasing shift in the real estate market, many families and individuals now look for green homes. Royal LePage Realtors with the National Association of Green Agents and Brokers (NAGAB) designation provide their clients with added knowledge and expertise acquired through courses and designations designed to meet the specific needs of green living. More information is available online at www.royallepage.ca.
- News Canada