The goal of eco-friendly real estate is to find properties that meet some or all of the 'green' or 'sustainable' criteria, both in building and operation.
These features include an array of the following:
- High-density housing, i.e. more dwellings/sqft of land to help slow urban sprawl
- Deconstruction Vs Demolition
- Reclaimed or reused materials, or materials derived from an easily renewable source
- Low or zero voc paint
- Passive or low-use energy systems, such as solar panels, skylights and low-voltage lighting
- Use of gray-water systems for non-potable use
- Sensitive site orientation such that catches the winter sun, yet serves to block the more harsh summer sun
- Durable, healthy, sustainably sourced building materials
- Non-toxic building materials improving indoor air quality and health
- Landscaping with flora native to the region as well as deciduous plants to aid/block solar gain
- Zero or low water use gardens
- Permeable paving to discourage run-off of valuable rain water to storm drains
This is just a brief selection of features. It is a rare home that will embody all. The hope is that we are making choices in the direction of homes that are healthier for us to live in, cheaper to operate on a daily basis, and kinder to the planet on which we live.
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