Buyers Demand Green Homes
2 February 2007
By Chia Yen Ling

With increasing worldwide attention on sustainability and green issues, the greening trend is also pervading the building and construction industry at a rapid pace. Building developers and owners around the world are shifting their focus to build greener homes and buildings with the growing demand.

The term ‘green home’ refers to a home that is built-in with technologies and sustainable practices that improve the energy efficiency, water efficiency and indoor environment quality. A green construction practice would consider resource management, durability, and general environmental appropriateness of a structure. Whereas a green home is designed with better ventilation systems, built with low-toxic materials & recycled components and designed to have a long and efficient life-cycle.

There has been greater consumer demand in green buildings due to increased awareness by the general public about the various concepts and benefits associated with green buildings. In a survey conducted by our U.S. counterparts, it was found that home buyers are even willing to pay a premium for green homes as they are persuaded by the economic as well as intangible benefits that come with it (U.S. Newswire, Jan 2007).

• Green homes increase concentration level of children
  A study has found that constant contact with natural settings and views might be expected to enhance children’s capacity for self-discipline on a day-to-day basis. Children with ‘greener’ views from home were better able to concentrate and stay focus on a task long enough to make progress and be effective (Taylor et al, 2002). In the same study, it was suggested that for girls, green space immediately outside the home allows them to lead more effective, self-disciplined lives. For boys, perhaps more distant green spaces are equally important.
  
  
• Savings in energy bills
  It is not surprising that energy efficiency is one of the strongest reasons that motivate consumers to buy a green home. The energy efficiency of a home relates directly to the monthly energy bills that home buyers must cough out. An energy efficient home with energy-efficient appliances and water-conserving fixtures would mean that consumers incur lower electricity bills in the long run. As fuel prices are expected to escalate, it makes more economic sense to pay a premium to stay in a green home.
  
  
• Green home for better health
  The Danish government has long recognized that good air quality within a building is important in promoting healthy living. As such, the Indoor Climate Labelling scheme in Denmark has requirements for the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of concern in a standard room. While the control of VOCs is not mandatory in Singapore, consumers are increasingly aware that the VOCs commonly found in paints, stains and glues can release chemicals for years that can worsen allergies and asthma, and cause headaches and nausea. Due to the impact on health, more homeowners are requesting for low VOC paint, natural stains and formaldehyde-free glue, despite the higher cost.
  
  The benefits of having a green home have been well-documented internationally. They include cost savings from efficient use of key resources such as energy, water, and waste leading to lower operations and maintenance costs; and enhanced occupant productivity and health. With these in mind, it is not difficult to see why green homes have gained much momentum in the recent years.
  

References:
Taylor, A.F., Kuo, F.E. and Sullivan, W.C. (2002). Views of nature and self-discipline: Evidence from inner city children. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 22 (1-2), 49-63.

U.S. Homebuyers Will Pay Premium For 'Green' Homes . (2007, January 31). U.S. Newswire.