What is a Green Home?

Eco-friendly * Energy-efficicent* Sustainable * Responsible * Comfortable * Healthy * Economical * Smart


“Green Building is a whole-systems approach through design and building techniques to minimize environmental impact and reduce the energy consumption of buildings while contributing to the health of its occupants.”
-- City of Scottsdale Green Building Program

Get Ready to make the move to a green with, eco-friendly, sustainable, energy-efficient home? It makes complete sense: Green homes are built using sustainable practices that conserve not only energy, water and other natural resources, but also preserve our environment, strengthen our local economy and promote a better quality of life for those who live there.

Benefits of a Green Home

•Peace of mind - knowing you are contributing to global sustainability rather than global warming

•Healthier for the occupants, the planet and future generations

•Highly desirable from a resale value as demand -- and energy costs -- grow

•Economical because it saves energy, water and other resources – and money

•Eco-friendly and environmentally responsible thanks to use of resource-efficient and low-impact materials

•Durable, comfortable and low maintenance

Green Home Features

•Built with local or regional materials such as adobe, block, brick, straw bale or advanced energy-efficient materials (i.e. Integra block or autoclaved aerated concrete)
•Proper orientation, shaded areas and passive solar

•Protected, shaded outdoor spaces to reduce the extreme temperature range between the exterior and interior of the house

•Powered or supported by non-polluting sustainable energy sources including solar hot water, photo voltaics or wind

•Super-tight building envelopes with upgraded insulation and high-performance windows and doors

•Xeriscape (low water use) landscaping plus rainwater collection and storage systems

•Energy Star-rated or better appliances

•HVAC systems: Minimum 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating or better air conditioners utilizing efficient ductwork with adequate returns and filtration plus ceiling fans in all major rooms

•Healthy, comfortable indoor air quality and room environments

•Sustainable interior materials (flooring like bamboo, concrete or cork and low VOC paint)

•Water-efficient toilets, low-flow showerheads, graywater recovery systems, hot water recirculation system and other innovations

Find your Green Home Here

Optima Camelview Village's starting at $399,000.

Optima Camelview Village's modernist-inspired architectural mixed-use project is a myriad of interconnected buildings and lush oasis roof terraces. Over 17 acres of landscaped green roofs on each level and rooftop aid in reduction of ambient temperature and energy consumption. The overall landscaping design is based on line of sight, leaping from one unit to the next. The cascading plants on the terraces and rooftop provide screening for each patio. The entire project is watered and fertilized by a computer-generated, two-wire irrigation controller. Photovoltaic panels have been incorporated into the rooftop gardens. With over 700 urban dwelling units, the six- and seven-story structures also include retail, resort-style amenities and below-grade parking.

$1,070,000
Upgraded to the max, this contemporary urban three-bedroom luxury sixth floor condo in downtown Scottsdale offers panoramic views of Camelback Mountain to the west, McDowell Mountains to the North and Red Mountain to the East. And did we mention its green credentials? Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
This highly upgraded three-bedroom exterior condo on the sixth floor features three terraces with jaw-dropping views, travertine flooring in all living areas, upgraded stainless appliances, natural birdseye maple cabinets and granite counters

Biltmore area -- Galleries at Turney $600,000

Last one available: Arizona's First LEED_H Certified home development -- a nationally certified green building with solar energy options! Winner of two AIA Design and Sustainability Awards
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2.5 Call Linda to view 602-391-8246


At The Galleries at Turney, the utility bill for a 2,000-square foot home is about $125 in the middle of summer. "That's what gets people's attention," he says. "I firmly believe that in five years everything built will have to be green, whether LEED or some other standard. What will drive it? Whether demand by consumer or required by the government, some source will have to make it."

This urban oasis of eight homes by Modus Development is the first community in Arizona to be LEED certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a national benchmark of standards for eco-friendly building.

One of the most striking aspects is the exterior. The houses are covered in corrugated zinc that's suspended off the walls by an inch, which lets hot air flow behind it and continuously shades the building, Gorman says, adding, "Architects come from around the world to see it."

The roof includes a reflective coating to keep it cool.

The homes were built on a plot of land that used to include two-single family houses. With desert landscaping, controlled irrigation and other water-saving features, Gorman estimates the eight homes use less water than the two houses that were there before.

Still the homes have to be appealing, so the builder included a wall of glass that treated to resist heat transfer. The homes include energy efficient Bosch appliances and are pre-wired for solar power

Sweet Tomatoes Going Green

Last Night I went to Sweet Tomatoes on Camelback and to my surprise Sweet Tomatoes is Going GREEN. Their Making a World of Difference One Bite at a Time.

From the napkins in your hand to the light above your head, Sweet Tomatoes is changing to make a difference.

*There using 100% recycled towel, tissue and napkins
*Take out containers are recyclable... NO STYROFOAM
*Replacing there hot water heater with a new TANK-LESS.

This put a BIG smile on my face, was nice to be eating at a restaurant that wants to make a Difference

Obamas to plant their organic veggie garden

After much speculation, the First Family has confirmed that they will bring an organic veggie garden on the White House grounds. First Lady Michelle Obama has committed to the idea of healthy eating, especially when it comes to her kids, and has expressed her views in a number of interviews. "My hope," the first lady said in an interview for the New York Times, "is that through children, they will begin to educate their families and that will, in turn, begin to educate our communities."


On Friday, the First Lady was joined by children from the Bancroft Elementary School who helped her break the soil for the reported 1100 square foot plot that has been ear marked for the project. The students will also be working to cultivate the garden, and the First Family members, including the President, are expected to help weed and tend the garden, "whether they like it or not," said the First Lady.

Looking to buy or rent a green home?

Looking to buy or rent a green home? These days, lots of green homes are going on the market as sellers and landlords recognise they're in demand. But how is one to know which homes are truly green? Free Green Buyers Guide

Here's a checklist of features to look out for and questions to ask to determine the green quality of your next home.

Eco Home Tip 1 - Location Location Location - pick a location that's convenient and easy to get to. Close to shops, amenities and public transport will reduce the amount of emissions that come from getting around. Inquire about the council's recycling program.

Eco Home Tip 2 - Orient yourself with the right orientation - if a house is to have good eco principles, it will designed with the right orientation. This means that the living areas will face due north, to make the most of the winter sun while allowing the hotter summer sun to pass overhead. Sleeping rooms, meanwhile, will be oriented towards to the South to capture cool summer breezes.

Eco Home tip 3 - Cosy is not a four letter word - consider how the space is used as much as the size of it. Oversized houses utilises more resources in both construction and maintenance, while smaller dwellings are cleverly conceived can feel quite spacious.

Eco Home Tip 4 - Inquire about insulation - ask about the insulation. Higher R values means the house will better protected against extreme weather elements. See if the windows are double glazed. While you're at it, ask about other green home features such as solar panels and solar hot water. Make your message loud and clear!

The important thing is to ask before you buy. Even if the real estate agent can't tell you upfront, it's important to let the market know that buyers and renters are looking for this bit of information. While no single home will have all of the sustainable features listed, at least you can get a clear picture of what the potential home has to offer.

Is there a Green Mortgage?

Yes! Unfortunately, only 3 lenders currently offer this new kind of loan, with less than 25% of mortgage brokers aware that green mortgages even exist. The borrower won't have to pay for this new incentive, as the lenders are starting to offer more competitive rates. Title companies are starting to offer a donation on settlement statements to environmentally friendly organizations. Green mortgages are becoming a new trend as our world becomes more aware of its changing environment.

For more information on green mortgages and title companies send me an e-mail.