So you want to buy an existing green home but don’t know where to look? Or maybe you’re worried about the greenwashing that some use to differentiate themselves due to a souring market? ListedGreen is your savior.

Founder Dave Syring saw a number of problems with the existing major Multiple Listing Service platforms (those used by real estate agents to post homes for sales); Chief among them, were that only real estate agents could access the listings and none were dedicated to green homes. So last March, Syring took things into his own hands and launched ListedGreen, an MLS exclusively for Green homes and properties. This is a sustainable business from the ground up, from its solar-powered servers to its contributions to Global Green USA.

But the real key is in the site’s accessibility and quality control… Continue Reading »

A few months ago we wrote about low-flow fixtures that save considerable amounts of water while you’re in the shower. But what about the habit that I’m betting most of you have?

Before hopping in the shower, how many of you run the water until its warm enough? Guilty. Anyone do anything else while you wait? Maybe use the toilet, brush your teeth, or even shave? By the time you’re done you’ve likely sent down the drain several gallons of the hot water for which you were waiting.

A company called ShowerStart has a solution to this habit: Its Evolve line of showerheads features the ShowerStart technology, a sensor that actually turns the shower stream to a trickle once it has warmed up to 95 degrees. When you’re ready to hop in, a simple flick of the switch resumes the full flow water. Its that simple.

For those of you unwilling to either replace your current showerhead or drop the cash for one of their premium models, they’ve thought of something for you too…its called the Ladybug. It’s a device that you affix in line between your showerhead and shower arm that easily brings the ShowerStart technology into your bathroom.

Unfortunately its low-flow offering could be improved (currently its RoadRunner model is the lone showerhead in that category). But even the devices offering the “maximum flow rate allowable by law” still save the homeowner an estimated $75 and 2,700 gallons of water while the Roadrunner saves $230 and 7665 gallons.

The company has received some criticism for offering a product that encourages people to let technology solve efficiency problems, especially when slight modifications in behavior would suffice. Point taken, BUT, for the vast majority of people who won’t change, this is a great solution.

Now, let me see if I can’t get my hands on one of these nifty devices to try out…

We’ve all heard that buying energy efficient appliances and installing renewable energy systems can keep utility bills from soaring out of control. There are a growing number of rebate programs, tax incentives, and grants out there further encouraging us to buy that Energy Star refrigerator or install a geothermal system. So, how do you track it all down?

Thankfully, the North Carolina Solar Center and Interstate Renewable Council regularly update and maintain the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org). With this easy to use tool, you don’t have to scour through numerous lackluster government websites full of environmental jargon.

DSIRE covers renewable energy (think solar and wind power) and energy efficiency (everything from ceiling fans to geothermal heat pumps). For both categories, there are financial incentives including rebates, property tax incentives, and grant programs offered by local, state, federal, and non-profit entities.

The easiest method of searching is to click “Search By” and select “Eligible Sector.” Select “Residential” from the drop down and, in the results, scroll to your state for a list of relevant incentives.

Now, its not QUITE as simple as point and click—you do have to read some of the details—but the DSIRE site does an adequate job of translating much of the legal language in the government legislation into plain English. It also lists contact info for each incentive should you need more information.

For all tax-related incentives, I’d recommend keeping your accountant in on the loop so they can verify your eligibility and ensure that your returns are properly prepared.

While many installers of various renewable systems usually incorporate incentives into their pricing, you should use DSIRE to educate yourself and make sure you’re pursuing all of the monies available to you.