What can I expect from my "green" investment?
SUBJECTIVELY...
Have peace of mind from knowing that you are reducing your "carbon footprint" on our Plant Earth, and have comfort - and pride - knowing you are demonstrating your commitment by example.
With Your Home.
Green homes feel good AND they look great
OBJECTIVE VIEW ON HEALTH & COMFORT...
Significantly improve your environment with better air quality and more comfortable living
We know objectively (visit Media&Downloads and Green Home Building) that when more high-performance (e.g. ENERGY STAR®) systems & components are used, comfort levels increase with the reduction of hot/cold spots, draftiness, and mold-inducing humidity.
We also know from studies that when you move up to LEED® or NAHB GBS certified levels of "green", sustainable design, your air quality improves greatly
when you reduce or eliminate building materials and finishes that emit
or "off-gas" VOC's (volatile organic compounds) like formaldehyde, among
other suspected and known toxins.
Asthma has skyrocketed since 1994 from more polluted indoor environments. My hunch is neurological disorders (autism, ADD) and cancer are on the rise from exposure to the same toxins. Is spending incrementally more for actual natural finishes worth having a healthier, more comfortable environment? Your answer cannot be quantified, but the real-world benefits are yours for the taking. That's a fact.
OBJECTIVE VIEW ON TRUE COSTS...Generate quantifiable financial returns on your "green investment" with renewable/alternative energy systems & energy-conservation building strategies:
Maryland Incentives for Renewable Energy  | BGE's Energy Calculator is very simple to use  | Online ENERGY AUDITING Tool | Compact Fluorescent Lightbulb CFL Savings CALCULATOR  | Online SOLAR COST Estimator including rebates/incentives |
The most objective cost-justification for your "green investment" is the Mortgage Calculator1. Figure your Energy Savings/Green INVESTMENT = $10,000 (typical cost of our ultra-upgraded insulation and windows)
2. The PAYMENT on $10,000 (30yrs at 6%) = $59.96
3. Energy Savings on our typical 2500SF 2-story home = $100.00 >>> you are cashflow positive on your investment!
- For every $1 reduction in annual utility costs achieved via energy efficiency retrofits, the market value of a home is estimated to increase by $10-$25.
- Given the geo-political instability of U.S. energy supplies, costs for oil, natural gas and electricity will RISE in the short term. Your return-on-investment will accelerate.
- Given what scientists tell us about the quality of air in typical new home (25-100 times more polluted than outdoors) a small investment now will pay long term dividends in your health & well being.
ANSWER: You can expect a very healthy return on your "green" investment
Announcement July 2011:Improve your existing home and get paid back!
Solar Homes Have MORE VALUE
Solar Homes SELL FASTER
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Performance Homes I Green JUSTIFIED I Green Your Home 1-5 I Green Your Home 6-10 I Simple Home Greening