Building and buying homes that are energy efficient and environmentally conscious is what seems to be on a lot of people's minds. More and more buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of building green or buying a home that already has environmentally friendly and efficiency standards in place.

With electric rates rising as well as the concern for our environment's condition, statistics show that people are ready to listen, open their minds and see how living green is a shift from being more efficient to being more effective. Now in days, people are even willing to pay anywhere from 1 to 3 percent more for this type of home.

Just in case you aren't familiar with the "Building or Buying Green" topic, the basic principle driving this is defined by making sure the products in the home come from sustainable resources, the items are non-toxic, are recyclable, and help reduce energy use. You can easily break it down into three basic categories which is water efficiency, smart energy, and architecture/landscaping.

When it comes to water efficiency, there are a few things that builder are doing can be implemented in your own home.

* Depending on your local building regulations, some homes are designed to collect rain water for the garden and landscaping.

* Manufactures have now designed what is called an "instant gas water heater" which only uses energy to heat water when needed preventing people from letting the water run until its warm.

* Installing low flow heads on faucets, and showers as well as low flow commodes are also water efficiency practices.

Smart Energy refers to both materials and products.

* EnergyStar appliances

* Passive solar day lighting

* Improved insulation

* Compact Fluorescent lights (CFL)

* Improved insulation

* High-Performance windows

* 12 to 14 SEER variable speed dehumidification controlled, electronic air cleaning, heat pump system

* Extra-sealed air conditioning ducts

* TVs and other electronics that automatically power down when not in use

* Ceiling fans in each room

Architecture and landscaping are also very important when it comes to either looking for or building a green home.

* Situating a home to prevent the heat from the sun

* Decrease the number of windows on the south and west sides of the home

* Tight construction (Sealing)

* Reused antique brick walkways

* Recycled content roof and wall sheathing

* Countertops made from recycled concrete and glass

* Locally handcrafted cabinetry

* Landscape with plants and trees that are compatible with the local environment and climate

You can find green homes in the Jacksonville Florida real estate area and other Northeast Florida areas. Within the last two years (2006 - 2008), 500 EnergyStar homes have been built in Jacksonville Florida. You can also find green built homes in Amelia Park. Currently there are approximately 420 homes there.

Ryland Homes, Cornerstone Homes, HabiJax, Beazer Homes (most active), and McClellan Homes are some of the named builders who are building green standard homes.

Organizations that are currently participating in the green built home effort is Energy Star, Green Built Homes of America, LEED-H, Florida Green Building Coalition, FPL (Florida Power & Light) Build Smart, and Florida Water Star. These are great resources to use when researching green built homes and how you can get involved.

We hope you find this article interesting and useful and find the advice motivating enough to "Go Green".