Building Greener Homes Makes Good Business

Asheville, N.C., is experiencing a green building boom. Western North Carolina has 85 percent of the green-certified homes in the state, with almost half located within the city limits of Asheville, and another 120 in progress. Green homes in Asheville must meet the rigorous N.C. Green Built certification administered by the WNC Green Building Council. Although certified green homes cost up to 10 percent more than traditional builds, green homes keep their value longer, save money in operating costs, and reap a larger return in resale. After the housing bubble burst, home buyers have been more cautious and are looking for more energy and water savings, better construction, smaller footprints, and closer proximity to downtown Asheville, says realtor Mike Figura. | Read More