“A recent survey of hundreds of residential builders throughout the U.S. shows that a majority of them found buyers willing to pay up to 25 percent more for a green-built home.  Are you one of them?

A green home is one built for conservation-minded use, with sustainable materials, designs and technology.  It uses less energy and natural resources and creates less waste.  It’s healthier and more comfortable for people who live in them than a traditional home.

If you don’t want to move, or spend the money for a green home, you can change your existing home toward being green by using basic weatherizing and energy-saving tools like:  programmable thermostats, correcting air leaks from the outdoors, insulation, fluorescent light bulbs, maintenance to your HVAC. 

The Northwest has the highest certification for green buildings in the U.S., rated by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), created in 1993.  U.S. Green Building Council is an excellent resource for many of the steps that can be taken to help with global warming and the environment by “greening” up your home.