Happy Earth Day! As an EcoBroker (a Realtor specially educated on issues regarding green homes) it’s great to know that the Triangle is a hotbed of activity in green home building. I was drawn to Green Building because it provides options to save money, resources and provide healthier home environments.
In fact, May 3-4 and 10-11 will be a great time to see the best in local Green Homes on the Triangle Green Home Tour. Founded in 2006, the Green Home Builders of the Triangle promote building of resource-efficient homes and were the hosts of the national Green Home Builders’ conference a few years ago, a testament to interest in green building in the area. Randall Lanou is one of the premiere members of the group and is President of BuildSense Architecture. Check out his entry at 1201 Watauga in Mordecai on the tour (pictured), or find out more on their BuildSense Blog.
In Raleigh, both custom home builders and production builders have embraced Green. You can find many energy-efficient features on home built by Lennar, Meritage and others. Green features are a part of the MLS, so a custom search can be made for you!
If you’re thinking of remodeling, or taking on just one project in your home, the folks at Common Ground Green Building Center in Durham a great resource. Talk to Paul of any of the staff about beautiful and unique glass countertops, cork floors or low VOC paint. Keep in mind even a small project such as improving insulation around your doors and windows or equipping lights with auto off switches (if you tend to forget as I do!) can be helpful. A big part of what makes a home more earth-friendly is about using resources more efficiently.
It may not seem like it yet this year, but sun is a resource we’ve got great plenty of in the Triangle, making solar installations at home a viable option. Local Cary Company Yes! Solar Solutions offers residential installations to lower your energy bill.
Read the Indy Week article about affordable solar and the Solarize programs starting in North Carolina. This grassroots initiative for community solar started in Portland Oregon several years ago, and has swept the country. The first North Carolina program was in Asheville in 2013, and Solarize Durham is the first in the Triangle, with more programs announced for Raleigh and other communities across the state. Solarize Durham, sponsored by Durham non-profit NC WARN and its designated installer Yes! Solar Solutions, launched January 15 and already has had over 100 homeowners sign up.
Not ready to build or buy a green home but wonder what you can do to make your home more earth-friendly? How about composting? Love the idea, but don’t have the time…or perhaps even the space to make your own? Try Raleigh’s own Community Compost Shuttle. They’ll pick up your compostable materials weekly and if you like, bring you back some compost to use! Check the website to see if service is available where you live, serving most of the Triangle!
Breeze With Louise 