NAHB trumpets cost-effective green trend

Las Vegas

First, you have to show the consumer the benefits of a green upgrade.

That's one of the messages that emerged from a green-building press conference delivered here at the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB's) International Builders' Show.

The key to the mainstreaming of green is to make sure that consumers understand the value of green upgrades -- and exactly how cost-effective that sustainable construction can be in the long run, according to green home building professionals.

Builders, remodelers and product manufacturers are beginning to green their processes and incorporate more energy-, water- and resource-efficient features, according to the panel. They are learning how to reduce waste on the job site to save enough money to pay for these upgrades and help ensure that the builder makes a profit, said consultant Steve Bertasso, who helps builders achieve these measures.

"This year is going to be a big change in the production [building] environment," Bertasso predicted. "Consumers are asking questions they didn't ask two and a half years ago, and contractors are making better decisions."

Another speaker pointed to the power of retrofitting existing homes. Philip Beere, who is remodeling distressed properties near Phoenix's new rapid transit line, said that adding insulation, improving the ventilation and air conditioning systems, and replacing turf grass with landscaping more appropriate to the Southwest's desert climate doesn't cost much more than a traditional remodel. "Retrofitting these homes to be green is a good solution," he said.

Connecticut home builder Jim Pepitone described himself as a "late adopter," but one who has finally seen the green light.

His message: "We need to make sustainable attainable," he said.

For instance, the industry needs to educate consumers on air sealing, the importance of right-sized heating systems and good insulation, and the advantages of rooms that can serve more than one purpose so the home can be smaller and less expensive.