Field Guide to Green Homes & Green Mortgages
(Updated January 2010)
Even a sluggish housing market has not diminished interest in the green home movement. Previously available to mostly affluent home buyers, green homes have been embraced by all segments of the homebuying public, including affordable housing. Find out the latest trends, statistics, reports and resources as well as information on green mortgages in this updated Field Guide. (D. Foligno, Project Coordinator)
Green Home Features
Smaller Size
Environmentally-Sound Materials
Energy-efficient Windows & Doors
Water-Conserving features
Renewable Energy Resources (solar, photovoltaics, etc.)
Drought-resistant landscaping
Natural, chemical-free, efficient Insulation
Clean Indoor Air elements
Source: U.S. Green Building Council, Sept. 9, 2009.
Greening of the Housing Market 
Green homes red-hot: 17% of new builds get Energy Star seal, (New York Times, Nov. 27, 2009).
Selling serenity and sustainability, (New York Times, Nov. 27, 2009).
Green Up Your Roof, (HouseLogic.com, Sept. 30, 2009).
Demand grows for 'green' homes using renewable energy, (Muskegon Chronicle, Sept. 18, 2009).
Prefab homes sprout green designs, improve affordability, (USA Today, June 2, 2009).
Demand Drives Home Green Technology, (Washington Post, Nov. 22, 2008).
Ideas on enviro-conscious apartment living , (World Changing.com, Oct. 5, 2007).
Eco-savvy selling, (REALTOR® Magazine Online, Sept. 1, 2007).
Green Mortgages
Green in Today's Mortgage Market, (EarthAdvantage.com, Nov. 10, 2009).
HUD's energy efficient mortgages program, (HUD, Aug. 25, 2009).
Green for Green - If you're looking for a break on your mortgage, energy efficiency might be just the ticket, (Wall Street Journal, Aug 24, 2009).
Green Mortgages Offer New Growth, (NuWire Investor.com, Sept. 11, 2008).
Green' house effect: Use an energy efficient mortgage to build dream eco-friendly home, (Desert Morning News, Sept. 22, 2007).
What is an energy efficient mortgage?, (EnergyStar.gov).
Green in Affordable Housing
One agency's search for green(er) pastures-a new model of operations for public housing; (Journal of Housing and Community Development, Sept./Oct. 2009).
9 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient, (Green Home Guide, Sept. 3, 2009).
Recycled homes, one box at a time, (CNN.com, June 12, 2009).
Minnesota green affordable housing guide, (University of Minnesota).
Carbon Footprint Calculators, (Greener Choices). - Test your impact on the environment
How green is your family's home, (BabyZone.com).
Resources, Studies, Websites
NAR's Green Designation, (Green Resource Council).
Understanding The Business of Green, (CRS, Fall 2008).
NAR Information Central Green PowerPoint presentation, (REALTOR.org, July, 2008).
Bringing Home the Benefits of Energy Efficiency to Low-Income Households, (Enterprise, Green Communities, 2008).
Sustainable, Affordable, Doable: Demystifying the Process of Green Affordable Housing, (Enterprise, Green Communities, 2008).
NAR Information Central Green PowerPoint presentation, (REALTOR.org, July, 2008).
LEED® Pilot Rating System, (U.S. Green Building Council, Jan. 2007). Includes LEEDS® certification checklists
Energy Star, (Environmental Protection Agency, 2007).
Global warming survival guide, (Time.com, 2007).- 51 things we can do
Federal Tax Credits For Energy Efficiency, (EnergyStar.gov).
What are energy star qualified homes? (Energy Star.gov).
16 Ways to Green Your Home, (U.S. Green Building Council). - Brochure
Global warming survival guide, (Time.com, 2007).- 51 things we can do
Electronics Reuse and Recycle Center, (Consumer Reports). - Green options for retiring old electronics
LEED rating system for homes, (U.S. Green Building Countil, Apr. 2005).
EPA green building homepage, (EPA.gov).
HUD Energy-Efficient Mortgages Program, (HUD.gov).
Green Home Makeover, (National Geographic Green Guide). - 'Greening' options for every room
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Green cities (Mobipocket)
Green Zone Living: 7 Steps to a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Lifestyle (Adobe eBook)
Choosing Green (Adobe eBook)
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Building & Remodeling (Adobe eBook)
Greening your home (Adobe eBook)
Land Use Law for Sustainable Development (Adobe eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Green buildings pay, (Spon Press, Washington, DC: Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, 2003). NA 2542 G72
Green building guidelines, (Washington, DC: Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, 2003). HD 255 Su8
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Commercial Green Buildings
Field Guide to the Small House Movement
Technology Report: Solar Nanotechnology
>> Have an idea for a new Field Guide? Click here to send us your suggestions!
The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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