MYTH #1 - Green building is complicated.
Some people go to great lengths to build green-generating their own renewable power, for example. Others build green by installing extra insulation or energy efficient appliances. Choose the level that works for you, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from knowing that the changes you made are good for your customers, your business and the environment.

MYTH #2 - Consumers aren't concerned with building green.
According to the green building experts at Green$mart, a green marketing real estate resource, national and regional surveys indicate that 97% of consumers consider energy/environmental features and savings a priority. In 2002, about 14,000 green homes were built-compared to about 19,000 in the 10 years prior.

MYTH #3 - Green building is expensive.
Many green building techniques can be applied at little or no additional cost. Plus, when operational costs-such as heating, cooling and water use-are factored in, green buildings often cost less over time. Thanks to the green building movement, structures built today are typically twice as energy efficient as those built 30 years ago. Dishwashers use 40 percent less water, the amount of energy needed to run a washing machine has dropped 45 percent, and toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to four in the 1970s.

Why Build Green?

1.) Green Builders care about the performance of their product. This means that all of the details will be attended to, and a more stringent set of standards met. Green builders are concerned about the comfort, safety, and global impact of your home, not just their bottom dollar.

2.) In the southwest, we don't take our resources for granted. We know that saving water and conserving energy are central to our quality of life. An efficient home will reduce your family's water and energy using thoughtful design and efficient fixtures and appliances.

3.) A Green home is a better investment. Your home will be carefully constructed, more comfortable, more efficient, and a better place to live. A high-performance home will have a much higher resale value, if you ever want to leave!

4.) It is cheaper in the long run. The extra costs of good design can be minimal, and the benefits can last the life of your home. In a short time your energy savings will compensate for any extra expenditures during construction.

Green Building Fact Sheet

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