BUILD WITH NEW ENERGY AND SAVE

If something is worth building, its worth building right: Don't build like Carmella Soprano, build like Ed Begley, Jr.

Green construction saves money and energy; It’s an ‘Earth-friendly’ choice that isn’t just for tree-huggers anymore
Anne Thompson, May 1, 2007 (NBC News via MSNBC)

WHO
Builders and homebuyers, exemplified by builder Don Ferrier of Ft. Worth, Texas, and home buyers Gary and Sharon Pederson of St.Louis, Missouri.
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WHAT
Using the latest in energy-efficient architectural concepts and materials to save “…money, energy and the Earth.”

WHEN
The inclination to build and buy “green” is growing daily.

WHERE
Across the US.

WHY
Styles range from contemporary to Mediterranean villa. Durable rubber roof tiles from recycled tires. Or a reflective roof, protecting the house from excessive heating by the sun. Economical, recycled gymnasium flooring that saves trees. Building scrap is mulched for the house’s plantings. The apparently typical wool rug is recycled corn husks and corn stalks. South-face window awnings to keep cooling costs down. An energy bill reduced 50%. Initial costs may be higher but long term savings are dramatic.
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QUOTES
- Don Ferrier, Fort Worth, Texas, builder: "A lot of people, I think, think green construction's gonna be an old VW bus with a peace symbol on the side of it — and tree-huggers…What we'll find is this house will have an average bill of about $70 a month for just the total energy bill…"
- Gary Pederson: "We are on fixed incomes and so we have to be able to maximize our dollars in the future…"