In talking with several people, most people BELIEVE that when they buy a brand new home that they will have some of the qualities of a green-built home.  Some of characteristics of a green built home include:

1. Energy - Efficiency
2. Safe for occupants (natural disasters etc.)
3. More comfortable (temperature, humidity)
4. Healthier environment
5. Durable (Structural, moisture managed)

Honestly, you should expect those things in a new home but in reality, it is not always there. 

 Builders have to build to minimum code for construction and I hate to say it, but some do.  Meaning with today's market and economy everyone is looking at ways of cutting costs.  Other builders build a "good" home or at least they think so.  In fact, many of them think they are already building "Green" when in essence they truly are not.  That's why there are another set of requirements and a certificate that is issued when a builder actually builds a green-built home.

If you want to know the true definition of Green, here a few links about the history and where the term actually came from:

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Does-It-Mean-to-be-Green?&id=82615

http://www.sustainabilityinstitute.org/dhm_archive/index.php?display_article=vn361greened

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/99/two-cents.html

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0807-26.htm

Challenges and Common Misconceptions

• Any Builder can claim to be "Green" - ask for proof and remember a truly green built home comes with a certificate.
• Just because it is newly built, don't be deceived into thinking that you will have a comfortable and energy-efficient home.

With the rising costs of gas and electric, most people today are looking for energy-efficiency.  After all, who wants to pay higher utility bills?  Some (especially those with families that have allergies and asthma) look at the indoor air quality as a big issue for them in their next home.  And of course, others are concerned about the waste and the environment.

If you have questions regarding a home being energy-efficient...

There are few things that you can do:

1. You can always perform an energy audit and find out ways to increase your home's energy efficiency.
2. If you are getting ready to build or are thinking of building, give me a call.  As a member of the Grand Rapids, Michigan HBA, I've done my research and would be happy to make some recommendations of builders that build a good "green" home.