If you’re like me, you’re constantly trying to reduce your carbon footprint and your dependence on oil and other non-renewable energy sources. I drive a hybrid, I’m slowing down and converting all my incandescent bulbs to CFLs, I recycle as much as possible, and I use water bottles instead of buying bottled water. Needless to say, these are baby steps and I often wonder if I could be doing more, much more.
As a real estate agent, I visit homes every week where the builder or owner has spared no expense to upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms, finish the basement, add decorative molding, plant expensive landscaping, install automatic sprinkler systems, etc. But I rarely see a house with an alternative and ecological heating and cooling system.
Here in Massachusetts, about half of all homes are heated by oil. According to the National Association of Energy Assistance Directors, the costs of heating a home with oil this winter are expected to rise 47.3% from last winter. The projected increases for natural gas and electricity are less impressive, 9.2% and 8.6% respectively. Given these high costs, one would think that more consumers would go green and turn to alternative sources of energy, such as geothermal or solar, to heat and cool the home. Apart from the very progressive developer or builder, that is not the case from what I see in my daily adventures in real estate.
Many people are under the impression that 1) green heating and cooling systems are too expensive to install and/or 2) not possible without the perfect climate conditions. These systems can be more expensive, but as the technology improves, the price will decrease. There is also the added trade-off of long-term savings in heating and cooling costs. As far as the second problem is concerned, geothermal and solar systems can be installed almost anywhere. Not exactly the sunniest place, Germany uses more solar energy than any other country in the world. Even in New England, the ground is hot enough to produce geothermal heat. Case in point: Monarch Lofts in Lawrence is installing a geothermal system to heat and cool 202 residential condo units.
Of course, going green often increases costs, at least in the short term, but if home heating costs continue to rise, I’m sure consumers will begin to demand homes with alternative heating sources and other green features. Recent surveys have shown that buyers are willing to pay more for a new home with green features.
Of course, in the meantime, there are options for those of us who want to do our part for the environment, but can’t build a new home.
- Remodeling? Incorporate some eco-friendly or renewable materials, like bamboo flooring, low-toxic finishes, low-flow toilets and showers, countertops made from recycled glass, etc. For inspiration and materials check out Ecohaus.
- Install programmable thermostats, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and solar or on-demand water heaters.
- Pay attention to the Energy Star ratings and buy energy efficient appliances.
- Install energy efficient windows and insulation.
By doing what we can now and demanding alternatives in the near future, perhaps we can make a difference in preserving the planet for our children and grandchildren.