Christopher Pagli - REALTOR/ABR

My previous post discussed LEED Certfication, one of the three programs that certify a building or home to be GREEN. Today I will focus on ENERGY STAR. Most people recognize ENERGY STAR as the popular program that helps consumers identify effiecient products. Some common examples include air conditioners, dishwashers, computers, printers, scanners, and other household appliances. It is also a qualification awarded to homes and buildings by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).


The correct definition of an ENERGY STAR qualified home is one that is 15% more efficient then the average baseline home, taking into account structural attributes, mechanical systems, and appliances. A home inspection is done by an Energy Rater to verify energy-efficiency measures.

The qualification is available for homes three stories or less including single, attached, low-rise multifamily, manufactured, modular, log, and concrete. A qualified home displays an ENERGY STAR label.

ENERGY STAR is also available for commercial buildings but based on a point scale. If you would like to read more about this program visit http://www.ENERGYSTAR.gov.

My next post will focus on HERS (Home Energy Rating System).

In order for a building or home to be certified as "Green" it must be certified by one of the nationally recognized rating programs. The Most Common are as follows:

1) LEED (Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design)

2) ENERGY STAR

3) HERS Index (Home Energy Rating System).

Today I will focus on LEED so I don't overwhelm you with information, tomorrow I will focus on ENERGY STAR and so on.

LEED is a third party certification program that sets design, construction, and operational standards for high performance green buildings. The certification is awarded by the US Green Building Council.

Qualifying Criteria Includes:

1) New Construction And Major Renovations

2) Existing Buildings

3) Commercial Interiors

4) Core And Shell

5) Schools

6) Homes

The Certification are awarded as:

1) Certified

2) Silver

3) Gold

4) Platinum


Points are earned to complete the certification in the following categories:

1) Sustainable Sites

2) Water Efficiency

3) Energy And Atmosphere

4) Materials And Resources

5) Indoor Environment Quality

6) Innovation And Design Process

7) Neighborhood Development

The process of getting certified is time intensive and complicated. There is a lot of documentation and independent verification by a LEED Certified Professional. If you are interested in the process you should consider hiring a consultant to guide you through the process.

For more comprehensive information feel free to visit http://www.USGBC.org.

I have done alot of thinking about the term "Green" and have come to the conlcusion that I much prefer the term "Sustainable Living". Even though awareness is at an all time high, many people are not sure what "Green" means. The term is defined differently in many industries and orginizations, there are also many different degrees. For some the term means an environmental movement to others a political movement. Most consumers believe it means "earth friendly" which is somewhat correct, simply put "Green" refers to lessening the environmental impact from society. The term "Sustainable Living" refers to the ability to satisy the basic needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy there needs. This type of living isn't simply a trend or passing fad but the wave of the future. It begins with awareness, then comes a lifestyle change, and evovles into a commitment to make a difference, preserve, and conserve. This has been going on since the 50's, remember Green Peace from the 70's? The reason it has become so popular now is that WE are starting to feel the effects of not being aware.

I decided the only way I can talk the talk is to walk the walk and do my part to contribute. For me it's all about awareness and being conscious of how I can make a difference. Caculating my Carbon Footprint was an awakening in itself. The Carbon Footprint is defined as a calculation of the amount of Green House gases (I will go into these further in future posts) produced as a result of Individual, Commercial, and Industrial activities. There are some cool websites you can visit to measure YOUR carbon footrpint, they are http://www.EarthLab.Com, http://www.Conservation.Org, http://www.CarbonFund.Org. These are free sites and contain tons of useful information. Keep in mind the more data the calculator requires the more meaningful the result.

The decision to "Go Green" is no doubt a personal one but please consider two essential principles 1) Practice resource effieciency and conservation, 2) Practice social responsibility. One person can't change a community but if each person does a little the end result is alot! Below are a few low cost things that YOU can do to contribute.

1) Use CFL (Compact Flourescent Lamp) Lightbulbs, they will save you money too!

2) Collect Rain Water To Water Plants, get a barrel or container with a tight screen on top to block out an unwanted guests.

3) Install A Programmable Thermostat, another money saver!

4) Plant Trees

5) Install Low Flow Showerheads And Facuets

6) Start A Compost Pile

Some Medium Cost Ideas

1) Conduct An Energy Audit

2) Install Bamboo Or Cork Flooring, if you plan on getting rid of carpet or replacing floors. Bamboo is not expensive and very duranle.

3) Consider Drought Resistant Landscaping (also known as Xeriscaping)

4) Insulate Attic And Other Areas

5) Buy Energy Star Appliances

6) Paint With No Or Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Paint

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy has put its property tax database ( http://www.lincolninst.edu/subcenters/significant-features-property-tax/). The database is a comprehensive source of information about finance in every state and many municipalities.

Users can manipulate the database to compare property tax laws, rates, and assessment rules, and to identify property tax relief programs.

The institute, which is associated with The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., plans to shortly add a database of property values across the United States.

The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has really jump started what has been a rather sluggish real estate market. As the Dec 1, 2009 expiration date quickly approaches many wonder what will come next. Now both legislators and the business community are hoping to build on the incentive's success by expanding it.

A number of bills have been introduced in the House and the Senate that lobby for an expansion of the measure. Among the proposed changes:

• Setting a new cap of $15,000.

• Extending the tax break into mid-2010.

• Making the benefit available to all home buyers, not just first-timers.

• Offering a separate tax credit to $3,000 for borrowers who refinance.
  
  
  Please stay tuned as I will keep you informed of any extensions or changes.