In 2008, MSN voted Austin, Texas one of the ?10 Greenest Cities in America.? Austin is now on the map for more than just it's live music, and the word is out. While undoubtably Austin is a great place to live and work, this eco-friendly attitude is spreading north, just 26 miles from the state's capitol where you'll find Georgetown, Texas.

Georgetown is the perfect place for the home buyer who wants a country home with convenient access to the city, and the demand for green homes is on the rise. Georgetown Texas real estate agent Edward Lui, recognized the growing need to support home-buyers and recently became EcoBroker Certified?. ?EcoBroker offers education and tools to real estate professionals that in turn helps consumers take advantage of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design in real estate properties.?

While there are many Georgetown Texas homes for sale, the options to go green in Georgetown are still limited. Lui recommends Green Builders in the sub-community of Georgetown Village. Georgetown Village is a 600-acre, planned mixed-use community featuring new homes built by some of the top local and national homebuilders. Green Builders is a leading developer of green homes and communities in Central Texas. While based in Austin, they only offer their custom homes outside the city in three communities?two south of Austin, and one in Georgetown Village. Their goal is to build attractive comfortable homes with energy-efficient and earth-friendly features.

Green Builders addresses four points in their Green Sense program. A few highlights include:

1)Energy: EnergyStar appliances, energy efficient HVAC equipment, florescent bulbs, and design features like using natural colored stone from local quarries

2)Water: low pressure shower heads and toilets, tankless water heaters, and custom programable sprinkler systems

3)Earth: spray-foam insulation, recycled lumber, and low volatile organic compound paint are used

4)Health: foam roof and wall insulation reduces humidity and lessens possibility of mold, pollen and other allergens; no paper products are used in the foundation which eliminates need for termite treatment; and garages are detached or vented to reduce potential exposure to exhaust

Edward Lui is truly ?walking the talk.? He not only recommends Green Builders, but is a proud owner of one of their homes in Georgetown Village. ?In an effort to reduce my own carbon footprint, I wanted to purchase a green home. As Georgetown continues to expand, I want to encourage others to do the same and protect and preserve the community I know and love.?

Lui's website, GeorgetownCustomHomes.com, delivers up-to-date information on Georgetown Texas real estate and communities. In addition to a complete MLS listing and interactive search features, his shares insider information on his hometown?featuring communities like Georgetown Village, and his experience purchasing and living in a green home.

The votes are in, the green movement is sweeping Central Texas. But, even if you choose to live outside the big city, builders are offering the same, if not better, custom home options for the eco-conscious buyer.