Did you know that there are subdivisions being built right now that are truly living the green lifestyle? These are subdivisions whose main draw is not a clubhouse, walking paths, or even a state of the art swimming pool. Instead, the talking point of these subdivisions is the 30 foot tall vertical axis wind turbines! These subdivisions are trying to become net zero energy places to live. The goal is to produce just as much energy as they use. This is happening at Prairie Ridge Estates and ZETA Communities just to name a few places.
These homes look like any others from the street. However, the rears of these homes have photovoltaic solar panels, and wind turbines are found in the backyards. Inside the homes, you will find closed loop geothermal heating and cooling systems. Energy from the solar panels and turbines power the home. LED fixtures are found throughout the homes to help save energy. The homes are also equipped with Energy Star appliances. Special concrete walls, floors, and roofs function as permanent insulation also.
Bamboo Twin Sheets
If the house generates more energy than needed (each home usually comes with a data station which allows the homeowner to monitor energy generation and energy usage), the homeowner receives a credit to apply to future energy use. Can you imagine not having an electric or gas bill (or a very small one)? Ask yourself that question when you open your next electric bill after the heat wave this country just had! I know I am a little worried about mine! I would not be too surprised to see bamboo bedding , bamboo towels, or even a rain barrel around a home like this either.
Do you think these homes will exist only in the far off future? Think again. Homes like these are being built even as you read this in states like Illinois (where they don’t get sun all the time), in California (where they get lots of sun) and pretty much all over the country. Even in a down economy, these homes are selling. There are even Energy Efficient Mortgages you can qualify for, so you can get one of these new homes! According to Brian Masterson (a Bank of America senior vice president), the sale price of these homes may be up to 5% lower than its value because of the smaller expenses to operate the home! However, since these are new, everybody has to be on board. This includes the buyers, the lenders, the appraisers (they need to be able to find a comparable property to be able to give a reasonable value to your home), and even the building inspectors. Granted, there is some red tape to be gone through, but in the end, it is more than worth it.
Who would not want to live in a home that produces just as much energy that it uses? Who does not want a more sustainable lifestyle? Would you want to live in a neighborhood like this?
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Running bamboo has a net like root system that creates an effective mechanism for watershed protection.
Nice share. I’ll be linking to this post on my blog for sure.
I love Eco-Houses… and it’s really overwhelming to know that there are now subdivisions in America that are being built conforming with the green lifestyle.
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