Thinking Green in the housing industry is an increasingly popular concept. Today’s Builders know that consumers are attracted to homes with high performance windows, heating & cooling systems and insulation. Today’s Buyers want energy efficient construction. Reducing the costs of heating in the cold Nebraska winters and air conditioning in the hot, hot summers are excellent reasons. What you may not know is that there are several other ways to reduce energy costs and preserve our environment.

 

A major consideration is reducing water consumption. Although Nebraska has one of the highest water tables in the U.S., conserving water in drought years is foremost in many people’s minds. Adding inexpensive aerators to faucets and showerheads is an effective way to start. Low-flow faucets maintain good water pressure but reduce water usage.  In Europe, the use of dual-flush toilet technology has taken hold. This technology uses two flush methods: a 0.8 gallon flush for liquid waste and a 1.6 gallon flush for solid waste.

 

Additional technology has devised a way to collect greywater. This is water from baths and showers as well as rainwater. The greywater is collected, treated and then reused for toilet flushing and landscaping. We can keep our flowers blooming and vegetables growing without wasting fresh water.

 

Another way to Think Green is in the construction materials used. If you are considering building a home find a company that uses locally sourced recycled and earth-friendly products. It’s best if products are produced locally because it provides huge savings in transportation costs. Also select a builder who has a system in place for minimizing construction waste. This will save you money and help the environment at the same time. Make certain the interior finishes you choose are non-toxic. Air quality is a vital component of Thinking Green.

 

There are a couple of other ideas you should consider. The first is about reducing finished square feet.  A big house may not be as important as a well-designed, energy efficient home. Finally, you may seriously consider moving closer to work. With higher and higher gas prices on the horizon, it may be the best choice to choose homes that are more affordable and cheaper to maintain. Think about it.