Are you a green buyer in Boulder Colorado? No…I don’t mean gullible or easily duped. I mean… are you looking to buy real estate that is green built? 

  Wouldn’t you like to know for sure that the home you are buying meets environmental standards?  Well, look no further than LEED, giving you the first national rating system to certify new build properies as “green”.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and like other organizations they want to eliminate those builders that only claim to be building green. 

So, how do you know for sure?    There needs to be proof or in this case – certification.  According to Home & Garden, The LEED for Homes Certification is awarded to homes that achieve a minimum number of points in eight building categories.  These are as follows: 1) innovation in the design process, 2) location and connection to the larger community,  3) sustainable use of the site, 4) water efficiency, 5) energy efficiency, 6) efficient use of materials, 7) indoor air quality, the level of education and awareness of the resident or building manager about the home’s green features. 

Building using eco friendly practices means more than solar panels and incandescent light-bulbs.  It means buying locally, using recycled materials, and disposing of waste conscientiously.   It also includes energy efficiency such as good insulation and double pane windows which reduce environmental impact.

LEED Certified homes are more expensive.  2 – 3% more expensive says Built Green (another rating program).  However, in my opinion, this makes up for itself in the long run for several reasons.  First, resale will be better as this movement becomes more and more popular.  Secondly, you can save up to 30% on your energy bills.  And the most important reason is that you are taking care of your health and the environment.

 If you’d like to know more about the LEED or Built Green rating systems, let me know.  Or if you’d like to know more about buying, remodelling, or building green; I can help!