Information About Green Building Practices

Green Building is the trend of the future - save energy & save the environment.

Energy Saving Tip: If all 338,000 Austin Energy Customers turned off just two 40-watt bulbs, enough energy would be saved to power 3100 Homes!    It doesn't take much to make a difference.....

 9/08- Austin ranks 14th on the latest list of greenest U.S. cities from SustainLane.com.
Texas’ Capital City moved up one place since the last time SustainLane compiled its rankings in 2006.For the complete list and details on the rankings, click here.

The EarthLab calculator has been featured in Leonardo DiCaprio's documentary "The 11th Hour," the 2007 Emmy awards and the Alliance for Climate Protection, which is chaired by Al Gore.

View Our Listings for "Green" Built Homes

Custom Home Green Builders

We work with several experienced and qualified builders who know how to create an energy-efficient green-built masterpiece for your new home.   Also, these builders can often make suggestions when remodeling an existing home in order to make it more energy efficient and green as well. 

Go Green and SAVE Green!

Todays building industry is comprised of builders, suppliers, architechts and experts to help you create an eco-friendly, sustainable living space.  There are many choices you can make to help you build a dream home that within your budget, have the look and feel you would like to achieve and be easy on the environment.

Listed below are a few areas and ideas for you to incorporate into your Green Home:

Hire an Eco Friendly Architect to incorporate many new ideas and principles into the creation of a harmonious space that will put your home into context with its surroundings, climate, culture and your needs.

Find a Builder that understands the concept of green building.  There are many types of material, products and design elements that will contribute to an overall eco-friendly home.   Employing a builder that is educated and up to date on the industry is essential.  Be familiar with NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) and Energy Star rating labels.  Check references and visit a green home they have already completed.

Examples of Products to choose that are eco-friendly: 

Concrete Block
Chosing block over stick-frame building contributes to your overall energy effeciency.  

Windows 
Aluminum and wood combonation are a nice compromise of energy effeciency and lower maintenance. 

Floor Coverings
Tile, natural linoleum, wood, bamboo, natural fiber carpets and cork.  Pricing can range from $1sqft to $120sqft and is the biggest concern for indoor air quality. 

Wall Coverings 
The wall itself should be constructed of standard gypsum board that is nontoxic and made from recycled materials.  Materials for the wall coverings are comprised of rice, sisal, bamboo, linen, grasses, wood and cork.  Wallpapers made with water-based inks and without formaldehyde, heavy metals, PVC or vinyl backing are also green choices. 

Lighting, heating and ventilation
Utilize natural sunlight wherever possible by intigrating skylights or solar tubes.  Solar panels can provide additional indoor lighting and supplement energy usage.  Ceiling fans are also a nice compliment to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Going Green is easier than you might think and we are here to help!  Give us a call to discuss your Eco-Friendly dream home. 

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Did you know that in the State of Texas, qualified rainwater collection products are exempt from sales tax?

Did you know that qualified Solar installations in Texas are excluded from your property tax on your home?

Did you know that if you are in the Austin Energy service area, you can receive a rebate of $3.75/watt for Solar Photovoltaic Installations?    That can reduce the cost by 30-60%!!

Did you know that the you can receive a 30% federal tax credit for qualified Solar installations?  

For more local "Green" information:

Austin Energy-Green Choice (R) Energy Program

Austin Energy-Green Building Program

GreenHomes.com

GreenBuilding.com