Green Developing- Economically Feasible?

[Chris Chung]

"Going green" has always been seen as a move that can bolster company image and improve environmental quality. As well, it can have positive health benefits for the occupants of a building.

However, it is also considered to be expensive.

Some advanced practices enable the extra costs of green building to be paid off in 5-7 years or less, making them ideal methods for developers who plan to build and hold.

Has anyone used green building methods in any of their developments. If so, has it been a shrewd investment?

[Jon Slack]

You need to determine to what extent you are going to consider green.

A completely "green" home can be very expensive and you will never meet the local comps therefore, no bank will give you a loan.

We build green housing using ICF. Our homes will decrease your energy bills 40-60%. We use no wood for framing. Our homes also include Energy Star appliances and numerous water saving features. We exceed Leed requirements and also, which is very important for the buyer, we qualify for energy efficient mortgages.

We have found that almost everyone who has inquired about our homes will ultimately choose a Green Home as apposed to other construction methods. The selling points are many and the long term savings more than justify's the extra expense.