I have to respectfully disagree with your idea that green houses have to cost more, and that consumers aren’t going to be willing to pay more if they do. I believe that good design can offset and/or minimize the initial cost premiums for green buildings, both in the commercial and residential market. While it is true that as technology gets better this becomes easier, I think it can be done even now. Secondly, I have read a couple of studies that show potential homeowners would be willing to pay more for green features. Now, does this information apply in the current market with the bottom falling out of everything, I don’t know. But, at least a few months ago, it was true.

I do agree with your premise that better urban design has a role to play in sustainable building. I think your first paragraph states that quite elegantly. Education is the key here, and that is part of my mission. While the current economic climate certainly isn’t good (to put it mildly), I think it will put sustainable building and development at the forefront as we come out of it. The stated goal of energy independence is going to require more than the development of alternative fuels and off-shore drilling (sorry for the political tone there).

I have to respectfully disagree with your idea that green houses have to cost more, and that consumers aren’t going to be willing to pay more if they do. I believe that good design can offset and/or minimize the initial cost premiums for green buildings, both in the commercial and residential market. While it is true that as technology gets better this becomes easier, I think it can be done even now. Secondly, I have read a couple of studies that show potential homeowners would be willing to pay more for green features. Now, does this information apply in the current market with the bottom falling out of everything, I don’t know. But, at least a few months ago, it was true.

I do agree with your premise that better urban design has a role to play in sustainable building. I think your first paragraph states that quite elegantly. Education is the key here, and that is part of my mission. While the current economic climate certainly isn’t good (to put it mildly), I think it will put sustainable building and development at the forefront as we come out of it. The stated goal of energy independence is going to require more than the development of alternative fuels and off-shore drilling (sorry for the political tone there).

I was once asked the question: What is better for the environment? A man living in a house with no environmental footprint, 100 miles away from his work to which he commutes everyday, or a man living in a house with a huge environmental footprint who walks to work everyday?

Sustainable developments and houses equipped with green, energy saving technologies are wonderful for the environment. Incorporating these technologies into our everyday lives…still a work in progress

I, being on the development side of things, see a whole new frontier to be explored in the years to come; with advancements in green technologies such as solar power along with the excitement surrounding sustainable ‘green’ living, the possibilities are endless. However, I am not 100% convinced the ‘new’ market will be good for the ‘green’ houses. Assuming that this ‘new’ housing market will come of age during or after the current economic crisis, we can expect that lenders are going to require a much higher percentage down when purchasing a house. In most cases many ‘green’ houses are more expensive initially for a potential homeowner to purchase, and even though they receive economic benefits down the line, the amount of cash upfront will probably scare away many potential buyers. Given these assumptions, coupled with advancements in green technologies that will only continue to make ‘going green’ more affordable for the masses, I believe it is not a good time to invest the ‘green’ houses. What I believe will ‘reap’ the benefits of the ‘new’ housing market are the developments that infuse the New Urbanism and S.M.A.R.T. growth ideas to create a more sustainable living environment.

As the United State of America starts to move away from its dependence on foreign oil and towards a more responsible lifestyle, we can expect to see a migration to more densely packed mix-use areas centered around public transportation.

I was once asked the question: What is better for the environment? A man living in a house with no environmental footprint, 100 miles away from his work to which he commutes everyday, or a man living in a house with a huge environmental footprint who walks to work everyday?

Sustainable developments and houses equipped with green, energy saving technologies are wonderful for the environment. Incorporating these technologies into our everyday lives…still a work in progress

I, being on the development side of things, see a whole new frontier to be explored in the years to come; with advancements in green technologies such as solar power along with the excitement surrounding sustainable ‘green’ living, the possibilities are endless. However, I am not 100% convinced the ‘new’ market will be good for the ‘green’ houses. Assuming that this ‘new’ housing market will come of age during or after the current economic crisis, we can expect that lenders are going to require a much higher percentage down when purchasing a house. In most cases many ‘green’ houses are more expensive initially for a potential homeowner to purchase, and even though they receive economic benefits down the line, the amount of cash upfront will probably scare away many potential buyers. Given these assumptions, coupled with advancements in green technologies that will only continue to make ‘going green’ more affordable for the masses, I believe it is not a good time to invest the ‘green’ houses. What I believe will ‘reap’ the benefits of the ‘new’ housing market are the developments that infuse the New Urbanism and S.M.A.R.T. growth ideas to create a more sustainable living environment.

As the United State of America starts to move away from its dependence on foreign oil and towards a more responsible lifestyle, we can expect to see a migration to more densely packed mix-use areas centered around public transportation.