Articulating the Value of Green Attributes

In my last post, I wrote about Green Misconceptions. In addition to addressing those issues, consumers must be able to understand how a green feature or environmental solution will benefit them. This understanding is a personal perspective based on their personal and family wants, needs and motivations.

Most people place a very high value on at least one (if not all) of the following areas: money, the environment, comfort and health. As a result, the best way to make green features appeal to most consumers is simply to describe the benefits, such as dollar savings, energy savings, comfort, and/or health-related benefits of green features.

There are other principles that are important, too. Which way is South? Where is the mass? Where is the shade? Where is the wind break? Where are the eaves? Potential buyers may or not be aware of these points and they can contribute to the appeal of your property.

Analyses from a 1999 article “ More Evidence of Rational Market Values for Home Energy Efficiency” from The Appraisal Journal indicated that home value increases by about $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. (1)

1. Rick Nevin, Christopher Bender, and Heather Gazan, “ More Evidence of Rational Market Values for Home Energy Efficiency, “ http://www.natresnet.org/ratings/resources/appraisal/APJ 99 The Appraisal Journal, October 1999


Some good references/ resources:

U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11910

Consumer Reports’ Greener Choices
http://www.eco-labels.org/greenconsumers/home/cfm
For more information on appliances, household energy and other related topics.

Green Building Success Stories
http://www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/buildings/gbsstoc.shtml.

Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment or by calling me, toll-free, at 1-800-231-0622.

For information on Mammoth Lakes real estate, please log on to my real estate website at www.easternsierraproperties.com.