Sassy Green Buildings: Homes in Colorado Springs
Do you need information about green homes in Colorado Springs? St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner and green is indeed a popular March color. And in the building industry, green is a special buzz word meaning healthy, energy efficient, and sustainable. LEED-certified homes use less energy and water, are better insulated, and significant recycled materials are used in construction. LEED properties actually reduce carbon emissions and are good for the environment.
More and more eco conscious money savers want green and LEED certified homes. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, Colorado is solidly on the green bandwagon. Our state ranks fifth in the nation for the number of buildings boasting LEED certification.
Colorado Springs Green Home Builders
Some subdivisions in Colorado Springs have incorporated more green space and energy saving living. Gold Hills Mesa comes to mind. Although we have not yet seen entire subdivisions in Colorado Springs embracing the challenge, there are many sassy green homes around the city. That is because many Colorado Springs builders offer significant energy efficient options to buyers. The good news in several local builders are certified green homebuilders, including the following:
- Dennis Grover at Genesis Custom Homes
- Charles Manley Jr. of Keller Homes
- George Parsons at Park Vista Builders
- Mark Long at Saddletree Homes
- Ken Matthews at BAI Homes
- Randal Craven at Your Legend Home
- Michael Payne at Monarch Homes
Building green can be costly. Since materials and systems are not mainstream, they are more expensive at this point. For starters, homes in Colorado Springs can be built with high grade insulation, double pane windows, energy efficient appliances, lighting. Custom built homes may include high tech products and systems, from passive heating and cooling to water-saving mechanisms.
What is LEED Certification?
The United States Green Building Council established criteria for LEED certification, a program that is starting to really take off. LEED is a very specific grading system. “Green” is a broadly defined term. Another industry term is “sustainable.” A number of architects, such as the local H+L Architects are dedicated to sustainable, green building standards.
Other Green Buildings in Colorado Springs
There are many samples of LEED-certified commercial buildings in El Paso County. For example, among others, the Food Bank, buildings at University of Colorado and Colorado College, the U.S. Olympic Committee headquarters, and the Kohl’s stores have been awarded levels of certification. This helps improve the indoor environments for workers and reduce costs at the same time.
REMAX Colorado Springs Realtors
For more information about energy efficient homes in Colorado Springs, please contact Colorado Springs real estate agent Ann Heiring of RE/MAX Advantage at 719-440-1010. Ann offers rebates to active and retired military personnel in appreciation for those who serve our country.