Going Green in St. Louis
In the last several years, it has become apparent that "Green" is a term that has increasingly become a part of real estate jargon. During the last decade, the "greening" of America has become a concept that has moved from the environs of the "cultural elites" of ecology to the "mainstream" of our society. The concept is a vast umbrella that affects many aspects of our culture and has become an increasingly subject of discussion in our political arena. Obviously, for most of us, the entire discussion is one that doesn't allow for simple definition and simple resolution to the issues that encompasses "Green."
The purpose of this website page is to be devoted to better understanding of how "Green" affects our understanding of Real Estate and improving the ability of Real Estate agents to become more knowledgeable and more responsible. It is quite important that agents are able to accurately represent clients who are increasingly seeking "Green" friendly real estate. While the St. Louis area is just beginning to see examples of homes that are either newly constructed or that are extensively rehabs, the concept is one that will play an increasingly larger role in the real estate market.
So the development of this site will be an ever evolving one. There are many other website links that are provided which will are especially devoted to this subject. For example, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a very strong leader in educating its public in the multiple aspects of "Green." I urge that you click on these sites to familiarize yourself in the excellent content that is offered.
Homeowners Benefit from Green Buildings
The importance of "Green" goes beyond just reducing a home's environmental footprint. Comfort and costs are just two of the many great reasons to make the necessary investment. The benefits that can be gained include:
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Lower operating costs - Homeowners have less expensive utility bills as a result of gret energy and water efficiency.
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Comfort - Green homes have constant temperatures, less or fewer drafts, and improved humidity control
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Improved environmental quality - Green homes pay extra attention to construction details that control moisture, choose materials that contain fewer chemicals, and design air exchange/filtration systems that contribute to a healthier environment.
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Durability and little maintenance - Longer lasting materials require fewer resources for replacement and therefore, reduce maintenance costs. Green homes also have lawn's that require less weeding and watering.
Utility Companies
The utility companies have an extremely important role in assisting home owners in achieving an improved greeen environment. Take a look at the websites of both AmerenUE and Laclede Gas and you will find considerable information regarding their efforts to improve their involvement in our environment. In both the short as well as the long run, the utility companies have much to gain by improving their footprint both from a consumer usage standpoint as well as their bottom line profit.
Tool Kit
The St. Louis Association of Realtors now has a web site that will provide a tool kit for home owners seeking to make changes to their home in line with the "Green" home standards. You can click here to be directed to the web site. The site offers:
YOUR FREE TOOLKIT —
There are many tools that will make your investments provide a better pay-off. Home buyers are becoming more aware of the pluses of a home that has had improvements made that are energy efficient. For example, recently I had to meet a heating and cooling contractor at a home that I had sold. They were doing an inspection for the winter season. During the inspection, it was determined that the heat exchanger was cracked. The owner is now faced with the choice of paying $800 for a new heat exchanger which may last a couple of years or replacing the 15-year old furnace. Normally, 15 years is about the life span of a furnace. I talked to the inspector about replacement options and brought up the possibility of a heat pump. The contractor's response was that the heat pump would pay for itself in 7 years. With the ever-increasing costs of energy, going "green" makes financial sense.
Recently, I decided that I needed to post some pictures of homes that appeared to be designed "green." The pictures above are the first examples of homes and are actually in the City of St. Louis. They are located west of Jefferson, east of Grand on Lafayette. When I called the agent regarding their adherence to the "green" standards, I received a rather vague answer that they have many of the elements that define a "green" home.
I would urge that you check out this website to see a website that is devoted to defining "green." It is posted on the US Green Council site and provides the guidelines that you would need. Another local website isSt. Louis Green which provides very relevant information on local activity. Another term that you will be seeing in reference to "green" is "Energy Star" which refers to standards for appliances and various products. You go to a website developed by the US Department of Energy for additional information.
The pictures below are of a construction site in St. Charles on the west side of Highway 94 just north of Mexico Rd. They are being promoted as "Green" homes/condos. Once they open up a display unit, I intend to see what elements were used in allowing them to be so identified.
 
What Makes it Green?
You will often see an abbreviation "LEED" when you see references made to "green" homes. This is a desigation used to refer to a rating system that is used in regard to green building: "The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design." This system encourages global adoption concepts and performance criteria.
The Green Tool Kit
The state of Missouri has a new website that would be of help for homeowners needing information regarding "green homes." The site is tied in with the St. Louis Association of Realtors. The site is a "tool kit" for homeowners seeking to improve the green characteristics of their home.
Sustainable St. Louis
This site provides information regarding "green" activities within the greater St. Louis area.
Their attempt is to jumpstart efforts to make the area more sustainable
EcoUrban
Green Homes in St. Louis
Going Green in Lafayette Square
Green House Resources
Guidelines
Green Home Building Resources from St. Louis Home Builders Association
Guidelines for Green Home Remodeling
Green Building Council
Recylced Glass Countertops - amazing discussion
Going Green in the Bathroom
Be sure to check out this great website's GREEN FURNITURE GUIDE
Image provided and owned by www.sofasandsectional.com
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Ron Gorman, Realtor |
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Coldwell Banker Gundaker |
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St. Louis Office |
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4320 Hampton Ave |
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St. Louis, MO 63109 |
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Office: (314) 351-6005 |
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Cell: (314) 570-5125 |
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Fax: (314) 667-3016 |
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Contact Me |
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Your home or commercial space, whether old or new, can be transformed to minimize your impact on the environment, maximize energy efficiency, and save you money. Even simple changes, such as using compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, installing a rain barrel or planting a strategic shade tree can have a positive impact. But there's much more you can do to make your home "green".
The subject of "Green" extends into so many different aspects of a home. Whether you are considering painting a newly home or rehabbing, the type of paint that you use would be affected by "Green" standards. If you are considering the type of wood floor that you want to install in your home, there are "green" considerations. All of these considerations can be reviewed by going to the different websites that you can click on.
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