Home builders model green home….Really?

I know it is inappropriate to burn bridges; however I find it frustrating when home builders market their homes as green.  Yes, some of them may be, however the most are not and the features they typically list as “green” are required by code when it comes to energy efficiency or water conservation.  So really what builders are typically selling you are materials, not durability and energy efficiency.  Inhabitat recently posted a great article about a green model home that is nothing more than green wash.  I encourage you to read the article and tell me what you think and answer this question.  Is a large home really a green/sustainable home when you have to use so much more of our earth’s resources to build it and then keep it a comfortable place to live in?

IS IT GREEN?: The New American Home via Inhabitat.com

by Adrianne Jeffries

New American Home 2009

New American Home 2009

About: Joshua Lloyd  (93 Posts)

Joshua has a degree in architecture and is a LEED Accredited Professional that has worked in the design and construction industry for over 10 years, focusing his efforts on energy efficiency and building science. He has organized multiple events in Ohio to give young designers the opportunity to learn about “green” home design and produce actual projects. He was also a key player in Ohio’s first LEED for Homes Platinum project. Joshua is also a certified Building Analyst through the Building Performance Institute and performs home energy audits, assisting home owners in reducing their energy usage.


  • Steve

    The water saving plants are nice, but what about having a huge fricking pool in the
    desert!

    From what I’ve read, I have yet to find any of the NAHB’s guidelines stingent enough
    to be truely green. Even if the builder did have the intention of building the house
    as green as possible, the sheer size alone detracts from any possible notiont that
    it is environmentally sustainable.