Green Homes Go on Display

Across the nation, builders, architects, designers, installers and even a museum or two are putting green home technology in the spotlight.

Living green doesn’t mean you have to give up the creature comforts of home. It doesn’t destine you to a stark, odd-looking abode where you’ll need to don multiple layers of clothing just to stay warm in the winter. You don’t even have to sacrifice your TV, stereo or that great big fridge full of food, either.

Across the nation, innovative builders, architects, designers and home systems installers have come together to demonstrate the positive aspects of green living. This is where cutting-edge technology and design combine to create a home environment that’s not only environmentally friendly and energy efficient, but is just as comfortable, fun and stylish as any other house in your neighborhood.

These green home environments are being introduced to the public in a number of ways, primarily through model homes and exhibits. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, for example, opened its Smart Home: Green + Wired Home in May 2008. Visitors can take a guided tour of the 2,500-square-foot home complete with working green systems, technology, furnishings and landscaping. The traditional eco-friendly products, such as solar panels, LED light fixtures and Energy Star–rated kitchen appliances are well represented, but there are also plenty of totally new concepts, such as a stationary bike used to power a Nintendo Wii and a portable solar panel designed to power up an iPod or iPhone. The well-appointed abode also proves that flat-screen TVs, automation systems and A/V gear have their place in a green home. The NuVo Technologies Essentia E6G system that pipes music throughout the multilevel house, for example, is said to consume about a third of the energy required by most other whole-house audio systems. Even the 52-inch Samsung LCD TV in the living room contributes to energy savings. With the help of an Energy Dashboard from Lucid Design Group, the set displays how much gas, electricity and water has been consumed.

Another good place to see green technologies in action is at a model home like The Cliffs Cottage green demo home at Furman University in Greenville, SC. “It offers something for everyone,” says house manager, Brett Rayl. “Some people come to the house to see beautiful design, others are interested in the technology, and many come to see the green materials and systems.” Built on the campus, the 3,000-square-foot structure is among the first residential homes in America to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The house opened in June for public tours for one year and is expected to draw as many as 30,000 visitors from across the country.

If you’re lucky, there may be several green homes in your area that you can visit. The Build It Green program in Berkeley, CA, for example, hosts two home tours a year in and around the San Francisco Bay area. More than a dozen homes of all shapes and sizes are showcased on each tour. “We want to be able to show visitors that green building can be applied to any type of architecture,” says Michele Brown, program manager. “Our homes run the gamut, from modern, rustic, ranch style, even condos. Some are new homes for sale, but most come to us from families who want to share their green home project with other homeowners.” The technology in each home differs, as well. One home might feature only solar panels, while another might be completely tricked out with an advanced home automation system that controls the thermostats, drapes and lighting.

California might be leading the pack in terms of green home development, but green is becoming more prolific, even in traditional Parade of Homes events. Granted, the Parade homes in your town might be a lighter shade of green than homes dedicated to the cause, but they can be helpful in your search for information and products.

Whether you walk through a green model home, attend a show, or visit with a builder at your local Parade of Homes event, you’ll be sure to pick up all kinds of pointers on how to save energy without sacrificing any of the conveniences and comforts you’re accustomed to. You’ll learn about products and systems that can curb your consumption of energy while being kind to the environment. Armed with useful information, you’ll be able to choose the right types of green materials, systems and technologies for your own home.

Green Resources
Find a green exhibit, show, workshop, home tour or program in your area by visiting the following websites:
- U.S. Green Building Council
- American Solar Energy Society
- National Association of Home Builders
- Build It Green