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June 14, 2007
Green Building Makes Money
I get a lot of newsletters, but one I received this morning really struck a chord with me. It contains an article, written by a consultant to manufacturers and distributors in the construction business, that neatly summarizes what many people have been saying about green building for a while now: It is possible to be profitable while going green.
If you're one of the skeptics who thinks the current trend in green building will fade away like the brief burst of interest in solar energy in the '70s, be sure to read this article. It highlights how some manufacturers are focusing on green products -- and making money at it even during the housing downturn. So are some builders who have used home buyers' interest in going green to differentiate themselves from their competition.
What about you? Do you think green building is here to stay? Have you seen any examples of companies that are thinking smart about green products? Do you have any personal favorites in green products? Let me know.
Posted by Marjie O'Connor, HGTVPro.com Staff at June 14, 2007 1:47 PM
Comments
Green isn't going anywhere but everywhere. People from totally different ends of the tree-hugging spectrum are looking for green. Whether motivated by energy savings and needing less tax payer funded storm water infrastructure or simply saving the yellow bellied chicken whistler and trying to keep their footprint small, people are looking for answers green builders can offer. Just look to the builders who have been doing green for years. In our Michigan economy (bad, bad, bad) people are just plain miserable. Except for our green builders who continue to get leads. If green can grow in our ugly situation, it can grow anywhere (and will).
Posted by: Chris Hall at June 19, 2007 9:58 PM
Green trend is here to stay!!
Posted by: Maki at June 20, 2007 10:29 AM
Of course green/eco friendly is going to be a major focus with houses new and old...
The earth's environment is hanging: weather, soil, water, and air.
Humans have to adapt to the Earth now before we have nothing!
Posted by: Sherry at June 20, 2007 10:42 AM
Thank goodness people are seeing "green"!! It's about time we all recognize the importance of going green. Just using reclaimed wood, for example, will go a long way toward using our resources responsibly. Can anyone remember when it was common for trees to be cut down all over the country to make way for housing developments? There was no thought about how long it takes to grow new trees. How ugly the developments looked without trees. All that was helpful to the environment was lost. Shame on anyone who destroys our resources like that. I also believe we would be much healthier if builders were required to go "green" when they build new developments (inside and out). Perhaps we would see fewer problems with asthma and other allergy-related illnesses. Wouldn't that be great!! If we are ever able to build a house, I will only want one that is healthy for my family.
Posted by: Chrys at June 22, 2007 5:18 PM
I have tried to be kind to the environment since I was born. I have always washed and re-used my plastic bags, use a plate instead of plastic wrap in the microwave, recycle, non phosphate detergent for 30 years, etc. My next home I will try to incorporate more nature and environment saving devises. We have plundered the earth and its resources, it is time to give back and renew. I want to leave something for my children. Don't you?
Posted by: Karen Afrasiabi at June 30, 2007 9:24 AM
I am going to build in Southeast Houston in the
next six months. While in the process of searching for a green builder I am amazed that I
have not been able to find one with a decent
semi custom home at an affordable price. I hope
the Green trend takes off in this area real soon.
I will not build otherwise.
Posted by: Gilly Cultrera at July 18, 2007 11:40 AM
