Flip this House Green
If you currently own your home there are a lot of things you can upgrade or change to make it more energy efficient and green. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are wanting to flip-your-house-green.
1. Know your Community: Ask about water-wise systems. This could include separate water systems for potable and non-potable water and the use of native vegetation within your own landscape. Water-wise systems can also include rain runoff collection bins. If you live within the city limits of your own community ask about adding a rain garden or rain runoff collection bin under the ground to use for gardening. Some cities offer tax breaks on eco-friendly improvements to your property as well. Every green addition can up the value of your home as well.
2. Understand and know about Third-Party Certification Programs: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are homes that meet national standard that have been set up by the United States Green Building Council for design. If it is from construction to operation overall your house could meet these standards with the green-changes over time. Your house would be grades in five areas: Sustainable site devolvement, water saving, energy efficiency, sustain ably used materials and indoor environmental quality. Visit their website to learn more on making your home LEED design approved.
3. Never be afraid to ask Questions: Asking questions is the key to making your home a greener one. The bottom line is, the more questions you ask the better you will know about efficiency of your home, where does my house stand on air quality, or even if you have leaks where air escapes, etc. All these questions as well as many more should be answered. Always ask before proceeding.
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: If you are considering replacing your floors with something more sustainable consider cork flooring. It is not only softer for falls, but also is the most sustainable product besides bamboo on the planet.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
“*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: If you are considering replacing your floors with something more sustainable consider cork flooring. It is not only softer for falls, but also is the most sustainable product besides bamboo on the planet.”
Hi Shelly,
Cork oak flooring truly is nature’s original “green” product. The majestic cork oak forests in Portugal called the Montados sustain not only an industry, but an eco-system. Some of these trees can live up to 250 years while being harvested every 9. Generations of farmers care for them, and they sustain families and businesses. Thanks for sharing this information with your readers.
Cheers!
Team Wicanders