« Notes from Class, First Three Days | Main | Human trafficking »
June 21, 2005
GOING GREEN
Article Title
"Housing developers looking for a competitive edge are going green"
Printed In
Star Tribune Sunday, June 20, 2005 Money and Business By Jim Buchta
Everyday at work I deal with Electronics and Appliances that are Energy Star Rated. Energy Star rated Electronics and Appliances are units that use under a specific amount of that is determined by the government. Recently I read the article cited above and it talked about how developers are using Energy Star rated appliances and other ecofriendly options to gain an edge over the competition. The article goes over several different ways that developers are accomplishing this. These include programmable thermostats, Energy Star appliances, recycled cabinets, low flow faucets, energy efficient lighting, steel countertops, bamboo flooring, and recycled sheetrock.
I found these new solutions interesting but at the same time became discouraged as I read the article further. The article said that many people are unwilling to pay any extra money to purchase the items mentioned and that in most cases buyers would rather spend the extra money on exotic wood floors, and larger living spaces than for less visible improvements.
It did note however that there are many more options as time progresses and that many of these options are being more reasonably priced. Lastly the article noted that there needs to a better way to measure how each builder is meeting the energy codes. The question is whether or not you are builiding an energy efficient home when you are barely meeting the energy guidline codes set forth by Minnesota. You would however be breaking the law if you didn't meet the code.
Best quote in article, Colleen Carey "It's like saying we want more fuel efficient cars, but we buy SUVs."
Comments
I think it would be great if everyone on adopted, a more eco friendly lifestyles and homes but I do not think mainstream American will do that for sometime though. Many people fail to see the long run savings of energy saving appliances and some just do not care. Not until people are forced to buy more energy efferent appliances or the appliances become the same price if not cheaper than their counterparts will we see more eco friendly houses.
Posted by: Chuck at June 22, 2005 1:20 AM