There are many ways to go green. You can start taking public transit rather than driving your SUV everywhere. You can skip the disposable cup at your local coffee shop by bringing a refillable mug instead. One of the biggest areas where you can make significant environmentally-friendly decisions is with your home and that’s why green homes are quickly rising in popularity.

But what exactly is a green home? Aside from doing your part for our planet, are there any other reasons why you may want to invest in greener technology and practices in your home? Let’s explore this further.

What is a Green Home?

A green home is a home that has either been built or modified to be as environmentally-friendly as possible. This includes the choice of building materials, the efficiency of the design, and other considerations. A green home minimizes the amount of waste that it creates, reduces the amount of energy it uses, and is generally healthier for its inhabitants.

When thinking about building a green home, there are three core areas to consider: energy/electricity, water, and heating. For example, a green home may include energy-efficient appliances, low-flow toilets, and properly installed insulation. Green homes can be found all around the world, including both urban and rural areas.

Why Invest in a Green Home?

Green homes provide a number of different benefits that affect not only the people who live within them, but also the world at large.

For starters, green homes make more use of toxin-free building materials. This combats indoor pollution, improves the overall air quality, and reduces health hazards for the inhabitants.

While up-front costs may be higher than less environmentally-friendly homes, green homes are ultimately more cost-effective. Utilities and resources (energy, water, and heat) are used more efficiently. This reduces the monthly power bill and, because of the overall health benefits, can reduce medical costs as well. Resale value for green homes is also typically higher than most standard homes.

Last but certainly not least, there are several environmental benefits to owning and living in a green home. Heating and cooling systems are more efficient, significantly reducing the overall energy requirements and minimizing the pollution caused by certain power-producing commodities (like oil and coal). Efficient plumbing and other fixtures further reduce the demand for water. The amount of waste produced in building a green home is oftentimes much less than in the construction of a standard home as well.

Are There Incentives?

If the health benefits, environmental benefits, and reduced energy costs are not motivating enough, a number of government organizations and utility companies offer a number of added incentives in the form of rebates and tax breaks. Just as a tax credit is oftentimes given for purchasing a hybrid vehicle, the same can be said about using green technology in the home.

More information about these added incentives can be found through such resources as LEED, DSIRE USA, and ENERGY STAR.