Part of a green builder’s job is locating cost-effective, local materials that don’t require extra energy to ship from elsewhere. “One of the most precious resources that is too infrequently discussed in green building is money. We strive to value-engineer green building measures to save clients’ money,” says Williams.

For historically significant luxury properties that owners want to preserve, remodeling or retrofitting is always an option. One way to start is with an energy audit. Many local utilities conduct free audits to identify areas in homes where energy is leaking. Private companies typically charge a few hundred dollars to use thermal imaging to map the areas where energy is escaping and suggest remedial measures.

In most homes, a significant amount of energy loss occurs through inefficient windows and doors. Tax credits are available for replacing these with Energy Star-rated products. Swapping older appliances for Energy Star-certified models is another way to reduce energy usage, gain near-term tax breaks and cut utility bills for years to come.

For those who aren’t interested in building or remodeling, green-real-estate-trained agents can help purchasers find a green home on the market. The Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals certifies “EcoBrokers” and the National Association of Realtors issues “Green Designations.”

Fenwick-Smith says the affluent can also assume environmental leadership roles in their communities by jump-starting new tends in sustainability. “People with bigger budgets who build high-end green homes help promote technologies that will ultimately be available for normal homes,” he says.

Some might wonder how a home with a large physical footprint can ever be green, but there’s an ironic answer to that. “If you go green on a large home, it will have a bigger impact on the environment than building green on a smaller home,” Williams says.
 

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