(NC) – Homeowners are becoming increasingly eco-conscious. With global temperatures on the rise, many are taking it upon themselves to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Taking steps to make your home more eco-friendly is a great way to broaden its appeal to prospective buyers,” says Steve Gray, a broker with Royal LePage.
“Whether choosing renewable energy sources or landscaping for energy conservation, there are many ways to increase the ‘green’ quotient of your home.”
Gray recommends these three eco-friendly ideas:
Choose renewable energy
Fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. You can reduce your carbon dioxide output by choosing renewable energy sources.
Examples include passive solar heating, natural daylight, wind energy and photovoltaics, all of which convert natural energy into electricity.
Choose environmentally-friendly products
Many conventional household finishes emit noxious chemicals. When selecting interior finishes, consider the product’s toxicity, durability, resource conservation and sustainability.
These factors help to determine how ‘green’ a product is.
Landscape for energy conservation
The value trees provide in landscaping is well documented. Trees help shield your home from winds and sun, thereby reducing your energy bills.
A single large tree can increase the value of a new home by as much as $10,000.
By 2020, the Canadian federal government has committed to reduce our country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent and many homeowners are picking up the challenge.
More information on how to increase the value of your home can be found at www.royallepage.ca.
Visit www.Newscanada.com for more tips and information.
