“It’s not Easy Being Green” was a hit song from the 70’s made popular by Frank Sinatra and Kermit the frog. Well today, “being green” is the latest buzz phrase in the home building industry but what does it really mean?

Simply put, being green when building a home is utilizing practices and products that are environmentally responsible to creating a healthy home with the lowest carbon footprint. Now that’s my definition from the many that are out there and if you don’t believe me Google “building green” and see what comes up.

There are a number of organizations all with some version of certification to become “green certified.” LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is probably the most recognized but even that certification has many versions. There is the Green Building Council and in North Carolina there is Energy Right Solutions and NC Healthy Built, just to name a few.

The problem for the public, and let’s remember that is who we are selling this to, is that they often do not understand the benefits to them or how much it costs. The bottom line is that living in a “green certified” house means having a healthier environment in which to raise your family and one that is cheaper to operate.

Now who would not be up for something like that? As with all things that are healthier and better, there is a cost. To help ease the pain of $4.00/gal gas, we have to spend well above the norm for a hybrid or electric car. Organic food is more expensive than mass produced food with insecticides and clothing with u/v protection is more expensive than having clothing without it. So if you want that “green certified” house it will cost more.

With anything that you buy that costs more you want to know what is the pay back of this extra cost and whether or not it is worth it in the long run.

The health aspect of a “green certified” home in my opinion has no price tag. It’s the right thing to do for your family’s health. Living in a home that is not spewing harsh chemicals is kind of a no-brainer. However, you have to get past the marketing of the energy saving aspects and analyze the pay back over years versus the upfront cost. The tank-less hot water tank, spray foam insulation, sealed crawl space, geo-thermal heating system, triple glazed windows and super high efficiency heating ventilation system are all being marketed to you as must have “green” products. Yes, they are all great products but if the upfront cost versus the savings on your energy bills is a 10 year pay back for example, you may have to sacrifice those products and have higher utility bills because the upfront cost to get into the home may be unaffordable.

I personally would like to see more standardized energy codes adopted regionally like the home building codes. If we really want to get serious about “green building” there should be tax breaks for buyers of new homes that are ‘green certified”, not just owners that have upgraded their existing home. I would also like to see the mortgage industry step up and include “green building” credits for applicants that stretch for that energy efficient home.

So remember what Frank and Kermit the frog were singing about…It’s really not easy being green!

By Mike LaRuffa