Green Homes in Boston - The Massachusetts Green Real Estate Market

There are many things to take into consideration when looking for a new home. Traditionally, home buyers' top concerns included getting a great deal and finding homes that require little or no repairs or improvements. Increasingly, however, home buyers are equally concerned with the sustainability and environmental friendliness of the homes that they are thinking about buying. This has been a prominent trend in Boston & around Massachusetts for some time, and it's reached a fever pitch of late. At Boston City Properties, we understand green homes and what goes into building them, and we have an in-depth understanding of the local green real estate market in Boston. Read on to learn more.

Green homes make sense for all kinds of reason--and not just because they are good for the environment. If that was all that they had going for them, people probably wouldn't be so crazy about them. Let's face it: Money talks. Sustainable homes help homeowners to save considerable amounts of money in the form of lower energy bills, more durable construction and many other benefits. Given how many benefits that green homes bring to the table, it's easy to see why they have exploded in popularity not just in Boston but around the country.

What are Green Homes?

The "green" in "green home" doesn't refer to the color of its siding. Rather, it refers to the fact that the home has a number of eco-friendly features or that it has been specifically built with environmental friendliness and sustainability in mind. A home may be a green home if it has enough of these features, but if you are in the market for a home and want one that is green, it is crucial to ensure that it has been certified as such in some way by a third party organization.

LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council certifies the eco friendliness of homes through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, standard. This special green building certification reflects the fact that a home or building meets or exceeds certain environmental and sustainable standards. When shopping for green homes in Boston, sticking with homes that have attained LEED certification is a smart way to go. LEED certifications are also awarded to commercial buildings like office buildings and multi-family buildings like condo buildings and apartment buildings. If you want to learn more about green homes, studying up about LEED certification and how it works is a great starting point.

Characteristics of LEED Certified Homes

It is far more common to find LEED-certified buildings than it is to find LEED-certified single-family homes. As a result, you may struggle to find homes that have this certification. Don't lose heart, though. Just because a home lacks this official certification doesn't mean that it doesn't meet LEED standards. By understanding the characteristics of a LEED-certified home, you will have an easier time identifying homes that fill the bill. To assist with this, here is a list of the top characteristics that are considered when LEED certification is granted:

• Sustainable Site - Ideally, a green home will be built on land that has already been developed in the past. The goal is to minimize disruption to the natural environment, so building on "virgin land" flies in the face of what LEED is all about. The right site can be built upon while inflicting minimal upheaval to the surrounding environment; in other words, the land shouldn't have to be changed or altered extensively. Landscaping for this type of property will be done in a way that promotes green practices like water conservation. In some cases, accommodations for stormwater runoff may be made as well.
• Water Efficiency - A huge part of any green home is minimizing the use of water, as it is a natural resource. First, water-conscious landscaping can go a long way toward achieving this goal. Look for homes with landscaping that doesn't require copious amounts of watering. This landscaping will ideally include plants that naturally thrive in the local environment. Within the home, water may be conserved through the use of efficient water heaters and other appliances. Slow-flow faucets and other special fixtures and fittings may be used to reduce the amount of water that is used in a home.
• Indoor Environmental Quality - The environmental quality of the air inside a home is another important aspect of green building. During construction, low-VOC paints, adhesives and other components may be used to minimize off-gassing and to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Indoor environmental quality also concerns the use of natural light within a home to minimize the use of lights and electricity, so these types of homes typically have large windows, skylights and other features that allow in as much natural light as possible.
• Energy and Atmosphere - Energy efficient systems, lighting and appliances are all used to reduce energy consumption in green homes. For appliances, sticking with products that are ENERGY STAR certified is the easiest way to go. For lights, eschewing traditional incandescent bulbs for CFLs or, better yet, LEDs, can help to reduce energy consumption by a considerable degree. A home's heating and cooling system is typically its largest consumer of energy, so having a highly energy efficient system that has been properly installed for optimal efficiency goes a long way toward helping a home to achieve green or even LEED status.
• Locations and Linkages - The area around a home and its general location also play parts in how green it is. Green homes and LEED-certified homes should ideally be located within close proximity of transit, resources and services. The reasoning is that inhabitants of the home will then rely less on cars, which cause a great deal of pollution. Additionally, green homes should be within close proximity of green spaces where people can enjoy the outdoors by walking or engaging in other types of physical activity. This is also beneficial because the more greenery there is around a home, the better the air and surrounding environment will typically be.
• Materials and Resources - Whenever possible, green homes should be built using materials that have been sustainably grown, harvested, produced and transported. A great example of this is using wood for flooring that has been certified as being grown in a sustainable way. This typically means that new trees are planted when old ones are taken down to ensure an ongoing supply. Additionally, materials should be recycled and reused whenever possible, and recycled materials should be sourced and used in the construction of such homes as well.

Sustainable Architecture Features

While looking for green homes for sale in Boston, it helps to understand the most popular and common sustainable architectural features that are out there today. By familiarizing yourself with them, you can identify the ones that matter the most to you. From there, you can more easily zero in on green homes in the area that suit your needs. The team at Boston City Properties can help with this, but in the meantime, here is a rundown of some of the most popular and ubiquitous green architectural features that are found on single-family homes and entire buildings around the city of Boston:

• Window Orientation - One of the goals of green architecture is to reduce reliance on heating and cooling systems as much as possible. The less work that a heating and cooling system has to do, the less energy that is used--and the lower your energy bills will be. Additionally, homes stay more comfortable more easily when heating and cooling systems are enhanced in various ways. The orientation and size of a home's windows affect its indoor climate, so green homes are often designed and built with this in mind. Windows may be oriented to take advantage of direct sunshine, allowing a home to stay warmer with less reliance on a furnace or other system.
• Efficient Windows - In addition to having windows that are oriented strategically, a green home typically features windows that boast the latest and best energy efficient designs. Double- and even triple-pane windows are a prime example of this, as they reduce air leakage a lot. Sometimes, gases like argon fill spaces between panes to enhance insulation and efficiency even more. Low-emissivity windows, or low-e windows, have special coatings that help to deflect the rays of the sun, which reduces heat transfer into a home and may help to reduce reliance on cooling systems.
• Solar Shading - In warm climates in particular, solar shading may be used to enhance the indoor comfort of a home while reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. Solar shading can take the form of shutters, blinds or awnings that help to block the rays of the sun from entering the home. Sometimes, trees and plants are strategically planted near a home to provide natural shade as well. Solar shading isn't quite as much of a concern in Boston, but it can still make a huge difference during warm, sunny times of year.
• Solar Water Heating - Water in a home is heated in a water heater. Energy-efficient water heaters are available; tankless heaters, in particular, do a great job in this regard. However, green homes are increasingly adding solar water heating to further reduce reliance on water heaters. Oftentimes, solar panels are already being used, and the energy that they produced may be used to power water heaters. A solar thermal collector captures heat and uses it to heat water for the home. As a result, a home can have warm or hot water on demand without relying on electricity to produce it.
• Solar Shingles - Like most people, you're probably already familiar with the concept of solar panels. The technology behind them has advanced considerably over the last decade or so, and it's made solar technology more accessible and affordable than ever. A prime example of this is the increasing use of solar shingles on green homes. Unlike solar panels, which typically have to be placed at various angles and are added on top of roofs and walls, solar shingles pull double duty as roof shingles and solar panels. They are more streamlined and seamless, so homeowners tend to like them more.
• Centralized Design - Sprawling homes have their advantages--namely, they have a lot of open space--but they fly in the face of green practices. The larger and more sprawling a home is, the more difficult and expensive it is to heat and cool. Therefore, green homes are usually built to be as centralized as possible. This ensures that the heating and cooling system performs effectively and efficiently. It also tends to make homes more comfortable in general, as the odds of drafty rooms and the like tend to be much lower.
• Green Roofs - If you have looked at any apartment or condo buildings in popular Boston neighborhoods like Seaport District and Back Bay lately, you have probably noticed that many of them are starting to incorporate green roofs into their designs. In this context, the term "green" is fairly literal, as a green roof is one that is planted with grass, trees, bushes and other plants. In urban areas, this is especially beneficial because green expanses are typically eliminated to make way for large buildings. Green roofs help to bring some greenery back to the area, which is good for local wildlife and for the environment.
• Rainwater Harvesting - A great way to reduce water consumption in a green home is by capturing and reusing rainwater whenever possible. This can be achieved with something as simple as a large bucket or barrel. Over time, it will fill up with water, and this water can then be used to water plants and gardens. Many green homes have built-in rainwater harvesting systems that ensure the optimal use of rainwater. This option especially makes sense for suburban homes that have fairly large properties and landscaping to care for.
• Tight Building Envelope - The "envelope" of a building or home refers to how tightly it is sealed against the elements. When we talk about tight building envelopes, then, we are talking about buildings that have exceptional insulation, tightly sealed windows and other means for minimizing the leakage of air into or out of a home. The only drawback to a tight envelope is the fact that air doesn't tend to flow in and out, so it can become stagnant. This is why the best green homes also have air ventilation systems that draw in fresh air from outside and that push out things like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
• Recycled Materials - Green homes are constructed with recycled materials whenever possible. However, this is only done when durability won't be negatively affected. A prime example of the effective use of recycled materials in sustainable home design can be found in decking. Rather than use completely natural wood, which tends to degrade fairly quickly and requires a lot of upkeep and maintenance, green homes are increasingly being built with decks that are made out of composite wood materials with recycled components. Oftentimes, recycled plastic is used in this engineered wood, and it helps to improve the durability of these decks considerably.
• ENERGY STAR Appliances - A mainstay of any truly green home is the use of ENERGY STAR rated appliances whenever possible. ENERGY STAR is regulated by the U.S. government, and appliances must meet very strict efficiency standards to receive this certification. When shopping for green homes around Boston, pay attention to the types of appliances that are found within them. You can always upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances later, but the best homes will already overwhelmingly include them, so you can start saving energy right out of the gate.
• Water-Conserving Appliances and Tools - Saving energy is great, but it's not enough. A truly green home will use as little water as possible, as water usually needs to be processed after reentering the sewer system. This can be accomplished in many ways, but homes like these typically have water heaters, dishwashers and other appliances that are designed to use as little water as possible. High-efficiency washing machines are another example of this. Additionally, faucets may be fitted with slow-flow devices to reduce the amount of water that simply pours down into the drain below.
• Energy Efficient Lighting - Inside the typical green home, you won't find incandescent lightbulbs. These are the least energy efficient lighting options out there, and they should be avoided. CFLs are a step in the right direction, but the most energy efficient green or LEED-certified homes overwhelmingly feature LED lights, as they use far less energy still and last a lot longer as well. There are also fixtures that can be used to make lighting more efficient. For example, occupancy sensor light switches only engage when movement is detected, and they switch off when movement stops being detected. This reduces the risk of accidentally leaving lights on when they're not in use.
• Satellite-Controlled Sprinkler Systems - Another great way to reduce water consumption in a modern, green home is by using a satellite-controlled sprinkler system for the landscaping. Of course, a better option is to design your landscaping in a way that minimizes the need for frequent watering. If the property needs regular watering, though, a satellite-controlled system will reduce water usage considerably. This type of system pulls information from weather satellites to determine the frequency with which the lawn and plants need watering. This reduces the risk of watering a lawn that just received a huge downpour of rain.
• Certified Sustainable Wood - Many green homes are designed strictly using wood that has been harvested and produced using sustainable practices. Most commonly, this means that trees that are felled to produce the wood are replaced by new trees. Additionally, the methods that are used to grow and harvest the wood have as little direct impact on the surrounding environment as possible. While certified sustainable wood won't reduce your energy costs or provide other tangible benefits, you can feel good knowing that it doesn't come at the expense of eliminating huge swaths of trees without replacing them.
• Energy Efficient Air Conditioning - About half of the year in Boston, there's generally no need to turn on the air conditioning at all. Once warm, humid summer weather strikes, however, it is virtually impossible to stay comfortable indoors without it. Green homes rely on energy efficient air conditioning systems that use as little electricity as possible. Ideally, such air conditioning systems should have a SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, of 14 or higher. Make sure to inquire about the air conditioning system of any green home that you are thinking about buying.

Top Benefits of Green Homes

Green homes have skyrocketed in popularity around Greater Boston for a number of reasons. Most people assume that the top attraction is saving money, but the truth is that green building practices bring many other benefits to the table. If you are going to be in the market for a new home in Boston soon and aren't sold on the merits of green housing, consider these top advantages:

• Protect Natural Spaces - The green building philosophy includes not needlessly developing natural, undeveloped land. The more popular that this trend gets, then, the safer green spaces around Boston, the country and the world will be. In years past, developers ran roughshod over natural spaces, snapping them up to build new homes and buildings without much thought to the environmental aspects of doing so. These days, developers seek out and build upon land that has already been developed whenever possible. Therefore, a great green home doesn't have to be built in a wide, open area. It can be built in the middle of a densely populated area--it just needs to be built on a lot that has been developed in the past.
• Reduce Emissions - Heating and cooling a home and otherwise using electricity and gas releases a lot of emissions, or pollution, into the environment. One of the top benefits of green homes is that they are designed to use as little energy as possible. As a result, they produce far lower emissions than other homes and buildings. Like many people, you'd probably like to do your part to reduce your impact on the environment. Whether you are concerned about your carbon footprint or just want to keep the planet as clean as possible, buying a green home that generates low emissions is a step in the right direction.
• Increase Market Value - According to recent studies, LEED-certified and green homes tend to have a higher market value than those that aren't specifically designed with energy efficiency in mind. Indeed, such homes tend to be valued 3 to 5 percent higher than comparable ones that lack such features. If you are concerned about buying a home that will not only maintain its value but that will increase with value over time, then, buying a green home is a smart move. This is also why homeowners who are trying to fetch top dollar for their homes are increasingly upgrading their homes' energy efficiency.
• Healthier Environment - Indoor air quality, or environmental air quality, is an important aspect of sustainable building and green homes. To facilitate this, such homes usually include high-tech ventilation systems that flush out things like carbon dioxide and draw in fresh air from outside. Additionally, during construction, care is taken to keep off-gassing to a minimum. To facilitate this, developers rely on low- or no-VOC paints, adhesives and other materials. The fewer VOCs there are in the home, the better its indoor air quality will be--and the healthier its inhabitants will be too.
• Tax Benefits - In addition to helping you save money on energy costs, a green home may bring you some exciting tax benefits. There are tax credits available on not just the federal level but often on the state and local levels as well. This is also why many builders are so jazzed about green building; oftentimes, achieving LEED certification entitles them to considerable tax benefits. Many of the programs that are available for homeowners are there to encourage them to upgrade the efficiency of their homes, but you may still be entitled to tax benefits by purchasing a home that is certified to be energy efficient and sustainably designed.
• Lower Energy Bills - When people talk about the advantages of "going green," another type of green is usually brought up: money. While the upfront costs of developing or improving a home to be green may be a bit high, the long-term savings in terms of reduced energy use are vast. Depending on how a home is built, it may only need to rely on "the grid" a little, which means that your electricity and gas bills are sure to be low or practically non-existent.
• Lower Water Bills - Since green homes are designed to minimize water usage and consumption, less water is generally used. In turn, water bills tend to be a lot more reasonable. Between using efficient water heaters, washing machines and other appliances and harvesting and reusing rainwater, it may be possible to reduce water usage and costs by a huge amount. Everyone likes to save money, so it is no wonder that so many people are hopping aboard the green house express these days.
• Improved Durability - Extra care goes into the construction of a green home or building--especially when the developer is trying to achieve LEED certification. Because extra care is used, the quality of the craftsmanship tends to be much better. Additionally, materials are carefully sourced and selected, so they are more likely to be high in quality and likely to last. Sustainable roofing materials often come with 40- or 50-year warranties. Since these homes are built better in general, the costs of repairing and replacing components tend to be much lower too. Regardless of how long you plan to be in your green home, you can expect it to stay in excellent shape so that you can sell it for a great price later.

Boston Green Housing Market Statistics

Anyone who pays attention to the Boston real estate market knows that green homes, condos and apartments have been all the rage for some time. However, this trend is not contained just to Boston. The city is a leader in this regard, to be sure, but green homes are exploding in popularity around the country. Since 2005, the share of green homes on the market has skyrocketed. In 2005, green homes only accounted for about 2 percent of homes on the market. By 2013, that figure had jumped to 23 percent.

Boston residents are drawn to green homes for the same reasons as people elsewhere in the country. Without question, saving money is a top attraction. The average household spends around $2,150 in energy expenses each year. Green homes generally use anywhere from 30 to 60 percent less energy. You stand to save anywhere from $645 to $1,290 per year by purchasing a sustainable, eco-friendly home. This trend isn't expected to die off anytime soon, as green homes are expected to account for 40 percent of the market by 2018. By that time, 84 percent of all homes will have at least some green features.

Boston's E+ Green Building Project

While green houses have become huge hits around the country and the world, Boston seems to be ground zero for this particular trend. Early on, the city embraced the concept of sustainable, green building practices, and many initiatives were spearheaded to promote them. The E+ Green Building project is a prime example of this. The plus symbol in E+ refers to "positive," as in "energy positive." This means that a home doesn't just use very little energy but that it produces more than it needs.

Boston became the first city to require a green building standard through municipal zoning requirements a few years ago. In Boston, all large-scale building projects must meet the LEED certification standards as set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council. Not surprisingly, this requirement was met with some resistance by developers who were concerned about the additional costs that go into producing LEED-certified buildings. However, their concerns have already been largely allayed since such buildings are more affordable to operate, so upfront costs are recouped before very long. The same thing applies to single-family homes as well.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority has played a huge role in promoting the development of green homes and buildings in the city. Through the use of rooftop solar panel arrays, energy efficient appliances and even wind turbines, the goal is to develop "zero energy" homes and buildings. Of course, the city decided to take this a bit further by promoting the development of buildings and homes that actually generate more energy than they need. In such instances, homeowners and building owners can often sell the energy that they produce back to the utility companies, ending up with credits rather than deficits.

Examples of Green Buildings and Green Projects in Boston

You don't have to search very hard to find great examples of green buildings and homes in the Greater Boston area. The new Roxbury neighborhood police station is one. This municipal building achieved LEED Silver certification, which is a major feat for a building of its kind. In fact, it was the first public safety building in the country to achieve this certification. How does it do it? The building incorporates many eco-friendly and sustainable features, including waste water recycling; the first vegetated municipal roof in the city; a reflective pool and day lighting.

The Brighton branch of the Boston Public Library became the first building in the city to be renovated to achieve LEED green building certification. The $5 million renovation included the installation of new, energy efficient windows that not only reduce energy costs by being so airtight but by allowing in copious amounts of natural light. With all of the natural light flooding in, there is less need to rely on lights. In turn, less electricity is used. The renovation was a huge hit with the public, and it demonstrated that Bostonians are eager for this type of thing.

Yet another example of green building success in the city can be found in what is known as the Allston Green District. A few years ago, developers decided to embark on an ambition project. It meant renovating three existing apartment buildings so that they achieved LEED certifications and building three entirely new buildings that achieved LEED Silver, Gold and Platinum certifications. All told, around 500 green apartment units were added to this part of the city, which is located near Commonwealth Avenue, Griggs Street and Brainerd Road.

The city has also spearheaded initiatives for adding more green roofs around the city. The Josiah Quincy School in Chinatown is a prime example of this. In addition to keeping the building cooler during the summer, the green roof provides a nice, open place for schoolchildren to play during the day. In a densely populated urban environment like Boston, having the ability to add green spaces to the city is a major plus. It should also be noted that the Castle Square apartment development in the South End is a great example of the rising popularity of green building in the city. It underwent massive Deep Energy retrofits that reduced energy consumption by a whopping 72 percent.

Looking for Green Homes in Masssachusetts?

By now, you are probably sold on the merits of green homes and may even be in the market for one yourself. In the Boston area, you can take your pick from many great green single-family homes as well as tons of condos and apartments in green buildings. Of course, finding the right home in Boston is tricky in general; how are you supposed to zero in on one that not only suits your needs and budget but that has been built to be as sustainable and energy efficient as possible?

The answer lies in connecting with Boston City Properties. We maintain one of the largest and most comprehensive online databases of Massachusetts real estate listings around. It is updated continually, so you can rest assured of accuracy. We don't charge anything to use it. You just have to sign up using a quick and easy form, and then you will enjoy instant, unlimited access. The database includes a powerful search tool that lets you narrow down your search to specific neighborhoods and communities. You can also adjust filters for things like price range, size and total beds and baths to more easily find what you need.

How can Boston City Properties help you find green homes, apartments and condos in Boston? We know the most popular green, LEED-certified buildings in the city, so if you are looking for a condo or an apartment, we can point you in the right direction. We also have connections with skilled real estate professionals in every neighborhood in the city and in every outlying community in the metro region. Our connections include agents who have in-depth knowledge about green homes around the area, and their advice is sure to be indispensable to you during your search.

Go Green Today

If you are ready to enjoy the considerable benefits that go along with owning or renting a green home, condo or apartment, Boston City Properties is ready to help. From saving money on energy costs to resting easy in the knowledge that you're doing your part to help the environment, green homes and buildings are the wave of the future for many reasons. Get on board with this exciting trend by signing up for access to our free, searchable database today. For more information or to be connected with a local real estate agent, give Boston City Properties a call today.