While the price tag of an eco-friendly home can be daunting, it is important to note that most sustainable homes are new builds which will generally be more expensive than an established house. Further, these green homes tend to run 12% – 20% more expensive than standard new builds built to minimum code. But this percent increase represents a higher return on investment that you’re buying into. Once built, a sustainable home delivers a lifetime of energy savings. Here’s a look at the trade-off.
Depending on the size of the home, the capacity of the PV system and other key components, recent studies have found that a Green Home | Zero Energy Home will:
- Cost 12% to 20% above a home built to minimum code before rebates and tax incentives.
- Cost about 5% above a home built to minimum code after rebates and tax incentives.
- Result in $1,500 to $1,800 total cost savings annually – energy savings offset by any higher financing costs.
Perhaps the value of a sustainable home is more than simply a ROI calculation. Maybe it should be a Return on Green = ROI + ROH + ROL + ROF; Investment, Health, Life and Future.
Learn more about green home cost benefits at the sustainable homes section of our website.
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About the Author: Michael
