HOMEBUYERS LOOK FOR GREENER HOMES

publication date: Jun 19, 2008

Homebuyers and commercial investors are increasingly demanding green building practices, according to a recent survey released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Results of the survey showed that nearly nine out of 10 realtors reported that their clients are most interested in energy efficient features of green homes and the associated cost savings. Nearly half of those surveyed said they frequently discuss green building practices with their clients. And, the trend is here to stay, according nearly 90 percent of survey participants, who reported that they expect to see even more interest in the coming year.

An informal survey conducted among commercial realtors showed similar findings. One-third of those surveyed said green building is important to their clients and more than half frequently discuss green building practices with their clients. And like their residential counterparts, 90 percent agreed that they expect even more interest in environmentally friendly building a year from now.

Homes and buildings have a major impact on the environment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, residential and commercial buildings account for more than one-third of the nation's total energy use, 12 percent of water use, 68 percent of electricity consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.