Sustainable building practices are the norm here.

• Electric Vehicle charging stations
• Solar panels arrays
• Geothermal heating and cooling systems
• Spray foam insulation and wool insulation
• Metal roofing
• Low VOC flooring, countertop, and paint materials

Some energy efficient materials and systems have a higher upfront cost. However, consider savings over the lifetime of the home when making selections. For instance:

• Geothermal HVAC is one of our go-to sustainable systems. This heating and cooling system uses no fossil fuels and has no emissions. Pipes are drilled deep into the earth where heat can be expelled from the home in the summer, and heat can be gathered from the earth in the winter. Geothermal units are 70% more efficient than conventional HVAC and the upfront cost is recouped in energy savings within 3-5 years on average.

Visit Greenstar.gov for information on current tax incentives. Both home equipment (insulation, roofs, windows and doors) and energy systems (geothermal, solar) may qualify for tax credits.