April 2024
Making a house a (green) home
While the initial investment in greening a home can be high, it can offer substantial financial benefits to homeowners over time.
Key takeaways
- Did you know residential buildings constitute 20% of both total energy usage and CO2 emissions in the U.S.? However, sustainable practices such as investing in weatherization and energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, water usage by up to 50% and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by up to 40%.
- Looking more broadly, integrating sustainable components, such as recycled waste, into construction materials not only contributes to improved waste management and promotes circularity but also aligns with consumer preferences for more durable and longer-lasting materials, potentially reducing maintenance and upkeep costs.
- So, while the initial investment in greening homes may be higher than non-green alternatives, federal (e.g. the Inflation Reduction Act) and local incentives and rebates can effectively offset these costs over a period of time. Ultimately, green homes can mean lower utility bills, higher sales premiums & lower costs of capital.
Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
