First, what exactly is a “green” home? It is actually quite simply. A green home is just a home that much consideration has went into regarding materials and construction methods. The emphasis tends to lie with materials that are free of residual toxins and are sustainable. The logic behind this is that most people have dirtier air inside their homes than that which is outside. Cleaning up the chemicals that go into creating the materials goes along way in preventing pollution inside the home.

Another focus of a green home is to design a home that uses less energy or relies on renewable energy. Frequently green homes are at least partially powered by solar energy and typically use sun light for heating and lighting the home as much as possible. Not only can sunlight be used for heat and light sources but can also be used to heat water for domestic use as well.

Green home construction does not stop at the previously listed benefits. Many insurance companies are falling in line to encourage green construction as much as they possibly can. You can now receive discounts from your homeowners insurance to your mortgage fees to add incentive to green construction. As more people start to look toward green construction, businesses will continually add programs that are green construction focused.

For the previously listed reasons, green homes typically sell for more money when they hit the market. Many homeowners prefer to live in green homes and would rather not have to pay additional energy fees if they know they have a choice. Since the government has introduced legislation that would encourage green construction in the way of tax credits and other incentives, more home buyers are being pointed to choose green construction.

As far as features go, green homes offer higher efficiency appliances, including plumbing and electrical systems, as well as drought resistance landscaping to reduce water consumption. They also use materials that are renewable meaning that glass that is collected at recycling points are used again, instead of filling our land fills. Insulation that is either organic or recycled is used along with paints and finishing compounds that do not emit polluting chemicals.

In fact, the way they are building green homes today frequently meets ADA requirements for handicap accessible homes. Green homes typically feature a flat entry way, no stairs, wider doors and other features that allow people with differing abilities and the elderly to easily negotiate their energy efficient home.

If you are considering building a new home in San Diego, you need to be aware of the focus and the push that the San Diego County Administration has started for homeowners to build with environmentally friendly and sustainable products. The county administration has named this initiative the Green Building Program. This is a series of incentives, rebates and credits for the homeowner who chooses to outfit their new home with items like a tank-less water heater or a weather based sprinkler system. In addition, this program is so progressive and forward thinking it has received attention from the United Stated Green Council.

There are many benefits to outfitting your new home with energy efficient, green products. To start, while there is an initial investment, you will also see that investment be paid for several times over through savings in your utility bills as well as rebates and credits from federal and state governments during tax time. Therefore, you won’t only be reducing your carbon footprint, but you will also be lining your pockets with the extra cash you would have been shelling out to water, electricity and gas companies.

Outside of the savings you will be experiencing with your green home, you will also be reaping the benefit of living a healthier life. Studies show that homes that are made with green materials are toxin-free and there is less of a chance of exposing yourself or your family to harmful internal pollutants and chemicals. In addition, when natural ventilation is included in the construction of your home, you and your family will breathe easier as fresh air from the outside will be brought into your home while stale, recycled air is blown out. Think of it this way, when you live in a healthier home, you will also save on expensive doctor’s visits because your family will not be as susceptible to flu and cold germs.

Finally, you will also be doing your community and your environment some good when you build a green home. You will be creating less pollution that contributes to climate change and global warming and you will also be doing your part to cut out unnecessary waste that heads straight to a landfill during the construction process. Studies show that for a normal 2,500 square foot house, over two tons of garbage is produced just during the building process. Green homes only produce one fourth of the garbage in comparison to a home built through standard construction processes.