Program encourages homebuilders, buyers to go 'green'

Cary, N.C. — A new program is aiming to make it easier for people to build and buy homes that are environmentally friendly.

Sarah Potter is a homebuilder who specializes in environmentally friendly homes. One of her biggest and most meaningful projects is in Cary.

“This one’s actually my personal home. Next week, we’ll be living here,” she said.

The 30-year-old ranch house was in bad shape when Potter and her husband bought it earlier this year.

“(It had) lots of water damage, mold, terrible energy efficiency,” she said.

Potter remodeled it with “green” in mind. She installed sustainable floors, used spray foam in the ceiling, low-energy lighting and water-saving faucets and toilets.

“In this house, we have zones. The bedrooms are all in one zone, the living area in one zone, and we have a bonus. The thermostats can be set differently,” she said.

The Potters' house is part of the North Carolina HealthyBuilt Homes program – a state project to encourage builders and buyers to go with environmentally friendly homes.

“I think everybody wants to live in a house that’s safer, healthier and more comfortable,” said Dona Stankus, a manager with N.C. HealthyBuilt Homes. “You get to take care of the environment as well and create value for your children in the future.”

Green houses can cost a little more to build than conventional houses, but Potter says it's worth it.

“You spend a little bit more in the beginning, (but) you are going to play less every month for your energy bills,” she said.

Potter said she’s ready to call her "green" house home.

"I can't wait to get in here and experience it first-hand with my little girls,” she said.

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I just installed a new low-flow toilet and it works incredibly well! Flush power is stronger than the old wasteful toilet it replaced.

katgoesloco
November 4, 2008 12:08 p.m.

That's the point Methuselah, the more common these things become, the more affordable. There are plenty of things I don't buy because I can't afford them. When I build my green cabin in the woods this year, it will be because I ride a bike whenever possible, grow a lot of my own food, drive a used truck, etc to save money so I CAN afford to build my house. And, it will pretty modest in itself, therefore, more affordable up front. Nothing fancy.

Hammerhead
November 3, 2008 2:56 p.m.

"Green houses can cost a little more to build than conventional houses, but Potter says it's worth it."

I have two questions:

1. How much did the house cost? 2. How much did the "green" improvements cst?

"You spend a little bit more in the beginning, (but) you are going to play less every month for your energy bills," she said.

That's great, if you can afford the up-front cost. Everyone would love a more energy-efficient house, but not everyone can afford the higher price (or the cost to upgrade).

Methuselah
November 3, 2008 1:56 p.m.

"Have had no problems with them what so ever. Had always heard that loflow toilets were problematic, so was very pleased. Perhaps the newer models are just better!" -sail

Hopefully so. My experiences with the lowflow toilets have been in houses that were built in the 90's. Would be fine on a liquid diet, but if everyone hit the mexican food joint at once earlier in the day, you better believe a 2-flusher would turn into 5+. That is if the commode didn't stop up all together.

Pineview Style
November 3, 2008 11:51 a.m.

Passive solar design and incorporating green materials is a plus for everyone. If it's not for you, so be it.....it's not a conspiracy, and not a fad.

Hammerhead
November 3, 2008 11:51 a.m.