The Foundation of a Green Building

Nov 30

Energy Efficiency: The Foundation of a Green Home

The energy utilized when heating or cooling homes is generally a key factor in the environmental impact of their use. The energy used to create a dwelling is usually generated from burning fossil fuel which may cause smog, acid rains, and climate change. Green houses can decrease electricity consumption as well as air pollution. It is easy to check if your home is energy efficient if you use the blue ENERGYSTAR sign. If you are interested in buying a home in Chicago with LEED certification or ENERGY Star, call us today 312-789-4054.

Green Buildings and Sustainable Homes in Chicago

In the bustling city of Chicago, buildings stand as the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing this, a shift towards more efficient and sustainable designs becomes imperative. By embracing such practices, Chicago not only diminishes its emissions and waste but also champions the conservation of precious resources and energy. Chicago will emerge as a global leader, pioneering a path towards a more robust environmental and economic future. Delve into the links provided below to gain insights into Chicago's initiatives, policies, and programs dedicated to green building practices. Discover how you can actively contribute to this sustainable movement, plus buy a home in one of the hottest housing markets in the United States.

How to Get Involved

Retrofit Chicago - Learn more about Chicago's cross-sector effort to drive energy efficiency in municipal, commercial, and residential buildings across the city.

How to Learn More

Sustainable Operations Plan - With the launch of this plan in April 2015, Chicago has made sustainable practices standard for all City's facilities, including green cleaning, pest management, office equipment and supply procurement.
Chicago Public Building Commission - Learn about green municipal building projects and Chicago's efforts to integrate environmental features in all new municipal buildings.
City Hall Rooftop Garden - Learn about Chicago’s most famous rooftop garden on top of City Hall.
Green Roofs - Find out how a green roof works and how it is built.
Sustainable Development Policy -Explore the City of Chicago's sustainability standards, specifically city-assisted projects, new planned developments and amendments, and site plan approvals and amendments.

What is a Green Home?

Green homes provide a clean energy-saving and low-carbon-footprint environment for both its design and daily life. Think home designs that provide both design and eco-friendly amenities. This goal will be creating a living environment enabling the homeowners to breathe cleaner air and reduce electricity bills and, most importantly, a home which supports manufacturers, product manufacturers and building standards that have the least harmful effect on our planet. This concept has gained momentum for years now but has since risen to a major trend.

LEED Certified Homes: A Testament to Sustainable Living

In the realm of sustainable living, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified homes stand as beacons of eco-friendly architecture. These homes are a testament to a commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED is a globally recognized rating system that evaluates the environmental performance of a building. To achieve LEED certification, homes must meet stringent criteria across various categories, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials.

Financial Benefits of LEED Certification

Investing in a LEED certified home not only contributes to a sustainable future but also brings financial benefits. These homes often boast lower utility bills, tax incentives, and increased property value, making them a wise choice for environmentally conscious and financially savvy homeowners.

Top 10 States Leading in LEED Certification

The top 10 states highlight the widespread adoption of green building practices throughout the United States. Structures certified with LEED contribute to the creation of healthier environments for individuals, utilize fewer resources, lower carbon emissions, and enhance efficiency, all while delivering cost savings in operations. Demonstrating an ongoing dedication to addressing climate change, 2022 witnessed an increasing momentum in the promotion of green building and sustainability.

In the current year, the leading 10 states have certified 1,225 projects, encompassing over 353 million gross square feet of commercial space.

Illinois Ranks #2 on the LEED List for 2022

6 Energy Efficient Home Improvements

Opt for an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump to conserve energy and cut costs throughout the entire year. Discover advice on purchasing and installing the right equipment for your needs. Explore incentives and potential savings, and receive guidance on using and maintaining your new equipment.
Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to your attic can help you be more comfortable at home while saving up to 10% on your annual energy bills. Learn how to check if you have the recommended insulation levels. Learn about insulation types and find guidance on how to hire a contractor to do the job for you.
Your water heater is the second-highest energy user in your home. Switch to an ENERGY STAR certified high efficiency water heater with heat pump technology and save over $300 every year. Learn about available incentives and find buying and installation guidance.
ENERGY STAR certified windows save you energy and money while improving home comfort. Replacing old, drafty windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 12 percent. Further, low-emissivity, or low-e glass coatings on many ENERGY STAR certified windows also reduce UV sun damage to floors, carpets, and furniture.
For the average American household, almost half the annual energy bill goes to heating and cooling - more than $900 a year. Being smart about how you control your temperature settings will help you save money and stay comfortable in your home. Learn more about which thermostat is right for you, available incentives, and buying and installation guidance.
The future of home energy and transportation is electric. You can prepare by making your home ready for additional electric appliances, equipment and an EV charger. Learn why you should prepare now, what you need to do to make your home electric ready, and, when the time comes, what you need to know about buying an ENERGY STAR certified EV charger.

Energy Efficiency: The Heart of Green Homes

Energy-Efficient Practices: Green homes prioritize energy efficiency, aiming to minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. From cutting-edge insulation techniques to advanced appliances, every aspect is geared toward energy conservation in a green building or green home.

Saving Energy: Green homes don't just save energy; they redefine how we utilize it. Implementing technologies that lower energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, these homes are at the forefront of the energy-saving movement.

Water Conservation in Every Drop

Water is a precious resource, and LEED certified homes understand this implicitly. Through innovative technologies like low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems, these homes aim to reduce water consumption without compromising on comfort.

Indoor Air Quality: Breathing Clean in Green Homes

Indoor Air Quality: Green homes emphasize indoor air quality as a vital component of a healthy living environment. Ventilation systems, low-emission materials, and strategic design contribute to a space where every breath is fresh and clean.

VOC's: By minimizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), green homes go beyond aesthetics to ensure that the air you breathe is free from harmful pollutants, contributing to the well-being of residents.

Sustainable Materials for a Greener Tomorrow

LEED certification underscores the use of sustainable materials, emphasizing responsible sourcing of building materials and reduced environmental impact by reducing the use of natural resources. From construction materials to interior finishes, every element is chosen with an eye toward a greener future.

Sustainable Living Beyond the Home

Building Materials (greenhouse gases, less waste, embodied carbon): Green homes extend their impact beyond the walls. From using materials with low embodied carbon to reducing waste during construction, these homes prioritize sustainable choices.

Multifamily Buildings (multifamily buildings, resale value): The green movement extends to multifamily buildings, fostering sustainable communities with shared resources and a focus on long-term resale value.

Utility Bills and Save Money (save money, utility bills): Investing in green homes not only contributes to environmental well-being but can also lead to substantial savings on utility bills, making it a financially sound decision.

Environmental Impact and Beyond

Fossil Fuels and Climate Change (fossil fuels, climate change): Green homes play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions.

New Technologies and Energy Use (new technologies, energy use): Embracing new technologies, green homes push the boundaries of energy use efficiency, setting the stage for a future where a green home is both sustainable and technologically advanced.

Prioritize Safety in Your Energy Choices

When it comes to your home's energy sources, safety should be at the forefront of your considerations. While it might seem that one energy source is inherently safer than another, the key lies in the proper installation and maintenance of your home energy infrastructure, regardless of the source.

The city of Chicago is making significant strides towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future through its focus on green buildings and sustainable homes. Recognizing the impact of buildings on greenhouse gas emissions, Chicago real estate market is actively promoting energy-efficient designs and practices that not only reduce emissions and waste but also contribute to the conservation of vital resources and energy.