SEBC 2020 Virtual Exhibitor Showcase First Edition | Page 31

Green building is a popular
topic in the media, and
builders associated with this
initiative can take advantage
of the media coverage and
publicity that stem from this
interest.
For new homebuyer’s energy efficiency was the second most
important influencer in purchasing a new home, right below
safe communities in a recent study.
“Energy efficiency, water
conservation and construction
based on building science
play an important role when
it comes to our health, the
environment and quality of
life. FGBC “Florida Green”
certified homes provide
healthier, more sustainable,
comfortable living spaces,
create cleaner indoor air and
have been shown to have a
sale, and re-sales, premium,”
said FGBC Executive Director
C.J. Davila.
Studies report that home
buyers are willing to pay
for these benefits when
purchasing their homes.
Being able to offer this kind of
value and benefit can set an
FGBC builder apart
from others.
Florida Lifestyle Homes was
recognized for working hard
to design their home and
landscape to meet the high
bar of Florida Water Star
Gold. It is also the first home
in Charlotte County to reach
the FGBC Gold level and the
certifications mean added
savings for the homebuyer.
“We’ve built homes that have
been certified to meet both
programs’ standards. Many
green construction practices
of today will become standard
building code requirements
in the future. And it is not
because the practices are
green. It’s because they just
make more sense and are
better for our homeowners…
period,” said Florida Lifestyle
Homes President Bill Ennen.
For builders and developers’
events and marketing
opportunities done in
partnership with the Florida
Green Building Coalition help
to get their name into the
hands of consumers.
While there is often a cost
when switching from
traditional building practices
and supplies to more
environmentally friendly
ones, many green building
practices result in using fewer
materials and generating
less waste, so costs can be
minimized and offset.
“Going green means giving
homeowners a more durable,
sustainable home. The
materials and techniques to
achieve green certification
provide for a better home,”
said Michael Sollitto of
Habitat for Humanity of
South Sarasota. “We want the
home to last well beyond the
mortgage that we provide for
our homeowners.”
Due to technological
developments and innovative
building science, going green
is becoming easier. Today’s
engineering and construction
techniques offer continuous
air barrier and sealing to help
reduce internal leaks and
drafts.
When green practices are
incorporated as standard
building practice, builders
can take advantage of
volume discount savings, and
reduced labor costs, as the
learning curve to implement
and install different items is
diffused.