MOST OF US WOULD LIKE to do something nice for our planet. And if environmentally responsible
construction also helps “build green” in our bank accounts, well then …everyone wins. Several local designers, real estate agents, and contractors have taken the lead on eco-building and are proving that it
can be both stylish and economical. Elizabeth Wagner, Santa Barbara’s first licensed EcoBroker, specializes in educating buyers and sellers in energy-efficiency, green home certification
programs, and sustainable design. “According to research conducted on a national level,” she explains, “a home’s value increases by about $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills.” Since eco-building can cut monthly expenditures by 50 percent or more, your initial investment will pay for itself in a hurry.
In addition, environmentally friendly and/or recycled building materials can actually save money. “A few years ago, green building came at a price,” explains Karen Feeney, green resources manager for Allen Associates, one of Santa Barbara’s top green builders. “That’s not the case anymore since green materials are often comparable or even less expensive than their traditional counterparts.” Whether starting fresh or remodeling your home, today’s economical, eco-friendly options prove that you can build responsibly without sacrificing style or breaking the bank.
“Getting energy from the sun is obviously nothing new,” says Ellen Strickland, owner of Santa Barbara’s Livingreen and an industry pioneer. “The exciting thing is that we are now designing solar heating systems that are affordable, efficient, and aesthetically complementary to our home designs.” Today’s solar panels can take the shape of unobtrusive screens or rooftop shingles, generating more than enough power to run a typical household—from water heaters and floor warmers, to computers, microwaves, refrigerators, and more. Excess electricity can even be sold to power companies during peak periods. How’s that for payback?
Heat loss isn’t the problem here that it is in other parts of the country, but insulation and energyefficient
doors and windows have a dramatic effect on your home’s daily energy expenditure. Even small cracks
or loose seals can amount to a large loss of heat. Energy efficient doors and windows make your home more comfortable, while protecting your furniture from sun damage and reducing utility costs. Look for those certified by the Energy Star rating system. When shopping around for eco-friendly insulation, check
out options such as UltraTouch denim, made from 85 percent post-recycled content and cotton. The material is cut into cubes that are fitted into the wall structure to keep your home as cozy as your favorite pair of jeans. Cellulose insulation, made from recycled newspaper, offers another natural solution.
Anyone who has suffered from post-painting headaches will appreciate the natural paints and low- to zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) products available today. These much healthier options replace
petroleum-based solvents with water, decreasing the amount of toxic emissions over time. Derived from raw ingredients such as water, plant dyes, and clay, natural paints are the best of the bunch and are available in an array of colors. “When you include the safe synthetic paints that we also offer, the spectrum is remarkable,” says Jane Shelton of Livingreen. “We can match any color you’d like and the
cost is comparable to that of regular paint.”
Incorporating recycled and salvaged materials into your home spares our landfills while adding a oneof-
a-kind decorative touch. “More and more communities have salvage yards—whether it’s through The Reuse People, Urban Scavengers, or even a municipal program,” cites Karen Feeney. In Santa Barbara, you can find building materials and lightly used furnishings at Habitat for Humanity’s new retail center.
Feeney also recommends searching Craigslist or other online community bulletin boards for salvage opportunities. “With the reuse of materials like wood flooring, cabinets, doors, and fixtures, you get products made decades ago—with higher quality craftsmanship and vintage style. Plus, you’re adding a
unique story to your home.”
Bamboo flooring has opened worlds of possibilities for sustainable building. As BuildingGreen, Inc. puts it: “It’s hard to argue with a wood-substitute that matures in three years, regenerates without need for replanting, and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides.” The fast-growing grass, as sturdy as hardwood, presents easy installation and a stylish finish. Other popular floor choices include recycled-content flooring, resilient natural cork, and Marmoleum, made of linseed oil, wood flour, and pine rosins. Salvaged hardwood or stone offers a beautiful old-world style. Or for something softer underfoot, choose chemical-free wool carpeting that naturally repels both water and stains. Making your home earth friendly is a positive step toward sustainability, long-term savings, and increased property values. Thanks to Santa Barbara’s growing number of eco-experts, along with more attractive, more affordable materials, we can build green and beautiful. Best of all, sustainable building leads
to financial sustainability for you and your family. Looks like being green just got a little easier.
KIM CARMEL, Destination Wine Country
