Green real estate includes any property or building, residential or commercial, that makes an active effort to use environmentally friendly materials and to save energy through alternative methods of power sourcing. Green houses typically include any combination of eco-friendly building materials, usually using bamboo or wood from energy-conscious sources to make up the frame of the house. Natural drywall compounds and natural insulation (either made of recycled cotton or wool) make up the walls, and all-natural, nontoxic caulks and adhesives are used to keep everything together. Other materials that are often used in green houses include cork, natural linoleum, and recycled rubber. These building materials are just as sturdy as materials that are not as environmentally and energy-conscious, but they use far fewer resources to construct.
Green real estate is also concerned with how power is obtained within the house or commercial building. Green houses are generally power at least in part by wind generators or solar panels that absorb the sun’s energy. Many houses currently being built don’t use standard electricity at all because the entire house is powered by renewable resources. Consumers involved in green real estate usually employ energy-saving appliances within the home, or use lifestyle changes that eliminate certain energy needs (like hanging your clothing to dry rather than using an energy-sucking dryer). Most green houses have dual-flush toilets that save water by using only a small amount of water if you press one button (intended for liquid waste) and using a larger amount of water if you press another button (intended for solid waste).
Many green real estate agents can help you move into your new home in an entirely eco-friendly manner by using recyclable and reusable packing materials and by using moving trucks that are either hybrid powered or powered by biodiesel. These options are for people who are on the more dedicated side of conservation. An important thing to remember during the moving process for those interested in green living is that the less stuff you have, the less energy you’re using. Many people who live in green houses prefer feng shui lifestyles that stress low impact on the earth.
The benefit of green real estate goes beyond saving the earth, although that is certainly a perk. Because the first step to helping the environment is by conserving resources and energy use, green living is significantly cheaper than more conventional ways of obtaining power and energy. Renewable resources are incredibly inexpensive compared to refined resources and cutting back on unnecessary energy uses (like a machine washer and dryer, a standard flush toilet, etc.) will save you a considerable amount of money. Building environmentally friendly housing tends to be more expensive up front because it is so unconventional and requires specialized builders, but in the long run it more than pays for itself.