Interest in environmentally sustainable housing is increasing nation-wide. If you are thinking about some home improvement projects that will make your home more sustainable but aren't sure what to do that will be good for the re-sale side, here are some of the top "greening" trends:
Copper Roofs: Copper and copper alloys, such as brass and bronze, are showing up on roofs, entryways, facades, gutters, and downspouts. Despite being quite pricey to purchase and install, they’re seen as a good long-term investment because they tolerate inclement weather. They can last up to 100 years and copper elements can be completely recycled.
Low-emittance (Low-E) windows, doors, and skylights offer natural light while blocking the sun’s UV rays that heat up the inside of a home, sometimes necessitating air conditioning. When shopping, look for low-e products that block 70-90%. Remember, if you choose to replace your historic windows: DON'T THROW THEM OUT! Give some to an artist to turn into a wall piece or turn one into a tabletop or donate them to a salvage shop - they aren't trash!
Rainwater Holding Tanks: Capturing rainwater and storm runoff helps reduce the burden on local sewer systems and captures water that can be used in other ways, such as for watering the yard or flushing toilets. A rainwater cictern and detention tank can recycle, reuse, and absorb 95% of stormwater on a site.
Chemical Free Lighting: LED lighting (LED stands for light emitting diodes) is a semiconductor that emits light when an electric current is applied. One big advantage: It contains no hazardous chemicals like other lighting does. In addition, an LED fixture uses 80 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb and has the ability to last up to 20 years,
Green Toilets: New green toilets conserve water in different ways: low-flow toilets use about 20-percent less water per flush, dual-flush toilets with two buttons give home owners the option of flushing with a half or full tank, and pressure-assist toilets reduce water usage by half and yield a powerful whooshing sound.
Induction Cooktops: Unlike traditional cooktops that heat up the cooking surface, the coils of an induction cooktop release their energy directly to the pot or pan and its contents. That means less energy is diffused in the cooking processes. It also means that the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, making it less likely that cooks or kids will burn themselves.
Attic Heat Blocker: TechShield roofing panels, produced by LP Building Products in Nashville, stop the domino effect of inefficient roofing material. Poorly insulated roofing lets radiant heat into the attic, which then spreads throughout a home and requires the owners to turn on the air conditioner. By contrast, TechShield blocks up to 97 percent of the radiant heat, reduces the attic temperature 30 degrees, and cuts energy consumption and carbon gases as a result
Reclaimed Wood Countertops: Fast-growing plants like bamboo, and already-cut woods that aren’t being used, find new life as gorgeous countertops
Nontoxic Paint: To keep indoor air clean and cut down on landfill pollutants, many consumers are using paints that don’t contain toxic Volatile Organic Components, or VOCs. These paints come in a variety of colors and finishes, and are offered by mainstream paint companies, from Sherwin Williams to Benjamin Moore. But for a more unique look, check out Italian-made Oikos paints, which come in 26 unusual finishes such as Venetian Stucco, Velvet, and Pearl
Insulation: Get an energy audit. A JEA representative will inspect your home and then offer cost-effective ideas designed to help lower energy costs. We also offer free water management evaluations. Services are available during business hours and early evenings by calling (904) 665-6000 or (800) 683-5542. Simple weather-stripping and blown-in cellulose insulation in the walls and attic can often address this problem.
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