Green design is getting homeowners good returns.

At Penwork Design we strive to specify environmentally friendly materials and finishes whenever we can. It's part of our business philosophy. There's an ongoing debate about the cost of doing so, but we believe the price of some green products has come down over the past few years as the range of products and the market have grown.

Yes, some green products are more expensive, but then the quality is generally high. And we can mitigate some costs by making the ultimate green decision at design stage: to retain some existing finishes and incorporate them into the new design. It's a win-win because we keep it from the landfill (good for the planet) and save the client the cost of demo and replacement. It's not always possible, but sometimes it is.

The health benefit to those who live in non-toxic spaces is obvious - one only has to spend a few minutes in a green building to feel the difference... one's eyes aren't tired due to bad lighting, the air is light and easy to breathe because there's no off-gassing going on etc.

But now the financial rewards appear to be revealing themselves. In an article on an investment website, the following story appeared:

Environmentally Certified New Homes Selling Faster and at a Premium

Greener homes are bringing in more green, plucked off the market by buyers attracted to their environmental, economic and health advantages. Energy Star and LEED certified properties are being sold at a premium in many US markets, selling quicker than conventional homes and for as much as 25% more per square foot.

You can read the complete piece by clicking on the link above.