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Green Homes for Sale in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC Area

Green homes are gaining popularity in the greater Triangle area, but what is a green home exactly? Homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly; a green makeover can happen gradually or all at once! 

Environmentally-conscious home buyers are seeking the benefits of purchasing a green home. Bottom line? Green homes seek to reduce the impact on our natural environment by using fewer resources, more eco-friendly materials, and reducing waste. 

What is a Green Home?

Green homes have sustainable systems with many environmental, economic, and social benefits, such as reducing emissions, conserving water, reducing operating costs, and improving health. 

You might also hear green homes called high-performance, eco-friendly, green energy-efficient homes. Multiple factors contribute to a home being “green.” There are certifications granted by housing or environmental groups, but these are not required for a home to be considered green. 

The good news is that in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area there are more and more energy-efficient homes being built to satisfy growing demand. 

Benefits of Owning a Green Home

There are very real benefits to living in a green home! Green homes are durable, needing less maintenance work because of their higher-quality building materials and construction processes. They are also healthier and more cost-effective than traditional homes. 

1. Environmentally Friendly

Building a green home uses less energy than a conventional home, and using recycled and reused materials to reduce waste is encouraged. Green homes are also built to be more durable than conventional homes, resulting in less waste over time. Green homes use less energy and water than traditional homes.

2. Health Benefits

Air quality in a green home is superior to other homes. Safer products - those that emit fewer chemicals than are often used in conventional homes - are used in the construction of green homes. Green homes utilize natural and mechanical ventilation to bring fresh air in, filter it, and then vent stale air outside. The better indoor air quality will keep you breathing easily!

3. Conserves Energy (& Your Money!)

Green homes are built for energy efficiency, which minimizes your utility bills. Homeowners can choose Energy Star-rated appliances to help to decrease a home’s water and energy usage. Added bonus? Energy companies often give rate discounts to Energy Star-rated houses. 

In addition to these savings, various incentives, such as rebates, tax credits, and savings programs, are available to green homeowners.  

Types of Certifications for Green Homes

Your home does not need to have all these certifications to be considered “green” or for you to gain the benefits of having a green home. The certifications offer standardization of green building principles for areas of site design, energy and water efficiency, and environmental factors like indoor air. This is helpful for potential homeowners looking to purchase a green home as well as for resale. 

1. National Green Building Standard (NGBS)

The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) certification is one of the best-known green building standards in the United States. A home that is NGBS certified has been inspected by an independent third party. There are four certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald. Homes with NGBS certification feature high performance in six areas: site design, resource, water, and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and building operation and maintenance.

2. Energy Star

Energy Star-certified homes are designed to save up to 30% in energy efficiency savings compared to typical new homes; they must meet requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star-certified homes feature:

  • Energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
  • High-efficiency heating, ventilation, and cooling systems.
  • Complete thermal enclosure systems.

3. EcoSelect

The EcoSelect program was developed by Southern Energy Management, a North Carolina-based sustainable energy company. Designed as an alternative to more stringent green certifications, the EcoSelect program allows more flexibility than other green certifications. It minimizes administrative work while offering third-party verification to ensure consumer confidence. Certified EcoSelect homes have energy-efficient lighting, programmable thermostats, high-efficiency HVAC, reduced water usage, and advanced air sealing.

4. High Efficiency Residential Option (HERO) Code

Homes that comply with the High Efficiency Residential Option (HERO) building code are 30% more energy efficient than homes built to North Carolina’s current code. There are rebates available in this program for builders as well as home buyers who buy a house built to this code. 

Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index

The HERS Index provides a standard measure of home efficiency, rating homes against a “Standard New Home” that meets current industry standards. The Index ranges from 0 to 150,  with 0 being the most energy efficient. 

How to Compare Green Energy-Efficient Homes

Think of the HERS Index like an MPG sticker on a new car. The MPG tells you how many miles/gallon you can expect from your vehicle, while the HERS Index gives you an idea of your energy costs in your new home. 

Here’s what you need to know about a home’s HERS Index:

  • The HERS Index ranges from 0 to 150, with 0 being the most energy efficient (Net Zero Energy Home), 100 being a Standard New Home, and 150 being the least energy efficient.
  • A home scoring 80 on the HERS Index would be 20% more efficient than a standard new home, while a home scoring 120 would be 20% less efficient than a typical new home.
  • A typical home built before 2006 has a HERS rating of 130.

Green and Energy Efficient Homes for Sale in Raleigh-Durham

Now that you know the answer to “what is a green home,” browse our listings below to find your green home. Enjoy all the benefits of a green home - health, economic (via lower energy and maintenance costs), and reducing environmental waste. 

If you have any questions on green homes in the Raleigh, Durham Chapel Hill area, please contact us today! 

Green Homes for Sale in the Triangle

909 Alderleaf Drive, Fuquay Varina image
909 Alderleaf Drive, Fuquay Varina $324,900

This charming 3 bedroom ranch on a large lot with no HOA, located just minutes away from downtown Fuquay is truly a rare find. Enter into the family room w/ a cathedral ...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 2492351 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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562 Kayak Court, Mebane image
562 Kayak Court, Mebane $397,000

Beautiful lakefront cottage is better than new! The largest ranch plan in the neighborhood & one of the biggest lots. Abuts Lake Michael/Town of Mebane land! High efficie...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 2492298 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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317 Cottesbrook Drive, Wake Forest image
317 Cottesbrook Drive, Wake Forest $420,000

This home offers many improvements and updates in a prime location. NEW since 2020: Roof, kitchen improvements, interior painting, Heating, AC (2 systems 2016 & 2018), Ge...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2492233 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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662 Vine Parkway Unit #122, Pittsboro image
662 Vine Parkway Unit #122, Pittsboro $439,000

The Scissors floor plan is a remarkable living experience. The first floor open concept is like no other home that you will see. The kitchen stays central in the home f...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2477066 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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23 Somerleigh Way, Pittsboro image
23 Somerleigh Way, Pittsboro $439,000

Scissors flips the script on Paper, with the family room behind the front porch for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The kitchen stays central for optimal entertaining. Th...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2486818 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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8004 Haymarket Lane, Raleigh image
8004 Haymarket Lane, Raleigh $440,000 ▼

Fabulous 3 bedroom Ranch in desirable North Raleigh location close to shopping and dining. Easy commute to RTP using nearby HWY 540. This home has been lovingly maintain...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 2480410 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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213 Stillwood Drive, Wake Forest image
213 Stillwood Drive, Wake Forest $450,000

Freshly updated with new Granite Counter Tops, Lighting and Paint throughout! Oversize Garage with usable space for storage above. New Water Heater 2023! Recessed light...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2476223 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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362 Mindees Lane Unit #608, Pittsboro image
362 Mindees Lane Unit #608, Pittsboro $470,500

PRESALE OPPORTUNITY! Build a Constant Calibration A. Multiple lots to choose from. Price can change depending on what options are selected. The Constant Calibration has 4...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2480715 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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215 Peninsula Court, Durham image
215 Peninsula Court, Durham $485,000 ▲

Coming soon, beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Hanover Pointe. Outside, the covered front porch gets plenty of shade throughout the day and has a nice view of the f...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2489522 MLS
  • COMING SOON Status
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280 Wendover Parkway, Pittsboro image
280 Wendover Parkway, Pittsboro $519,900

ASK ABOUT $15,000 Builder Incentive! Light, Bright, and Open! Ready Summer 2023 this Contemporary Millington Green Certified home in Chatham Park is by locally-owned Home...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2481339 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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6420 Secret Drive, Raleigh image
6420 Secret Drive, Raleigh $520,000 ▼

The Secret is out! This well maintained ranch style home, in desirable Lakepark, has a finished basement and several unique features that you won't want to miss. Wood bu...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2487460 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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42 Millennium Drive Unit #696, Pittsboro image
42 Millennium Drive Unit #696, Pittsboro $537,900

The Constant Calibration was created in hopes of bringing steadiness to your home. All the benefits of a bright, airy, open floor plan with 4 bedrooms (one on the main le...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2486824 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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274 Wendover Parkway, Pittsboro image
274 Wendover Parkway, Pittsboro $572,100

ASK ABOUT $15,000 BUILDER INCENTIVE! Ready Summer 2023 this Contemporary Glenmark is a Green Certified home in Chatham Park is by locally-owned Homes By Dickerson. A stri...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2481351 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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60 Millennium Drive Unit #694, Pittsboro image
60 Millennium Drive Unit #694, Pittsboro $586,870 ▼

What more needs to be said-The floor plan is called -The How Wonderful.Open floor plan that brings in so much light in the main rooms of the home. Gourmet kitchen with ov...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2484301 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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28 Millennium Drive Unit #698, Pittsboro image
28 Millennium Drive Unit #698, Pittsboro $609,740

The award winning No Little Plans floor plan is available to call your own. This floor plan as won numerous awards for its outstanding floor plan design. First Floor Gu...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2483873 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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34 Millennium Drive Unit #697, Pittsboro image
34 Millennium Drive Unit #697, Pittsboro $610,090

The award winning No Little Plans floor plan is available to call your own. This floor plan as won numerous awards for its outstanding floor plan design. Guest suite wi...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2490362 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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102 Shergold Drive, Pittsboro image
102 Shergold Drive, Pittsboro $615,000

$15,00 Use as you Choose incentive! Can be used for rate buy downs, additional upgrades, refrigerators, and so much more! Ready Late Spring 2023 This Magnolia II by loca...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2474155 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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1860 Sissipahaw Way Unit #D104, Saxapahaw image
1860 Sissipahaw Way Unit #D104, Saxapahaw $799,000

RARE FIND! Seasonal RIVER VIEWS from this stunningly remodeled & spacious industrial loft. 3 exceptionally large bedrooms each with a large closet & private full bath - p...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2492172 MLS
  • COMING SOON Status
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2105 Stillness Pond Lane, Apex image
2105 Stillness Pond Lane, Apex $799,900

Beautiful!! Must see spacious open floor plan 4 Bdrm/3.5 bath home located in the Blaney Farms Subdivision just moments from Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Historic Y...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2491183 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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64 Shergold Drive, Pittsboro image
64 Shergold Drive, Pittsboro $835,000

ASK ABOUT $15,000 BUILDER INCENTIVE! Ready in Spring of 2023! The Burlington II offers a first floor study, open concept kitchen and Family space leading out to a screen ...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2465934 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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Lot 9 Array Drive, Chapel Hill image
Lot 9 Array Drive, Chapel Hill $837,500

Build this one-level modernist home or the home of your dreams in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. This and all of the homes will be built to the National ...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • 2473611 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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3545 Wiltree Drive, Fuquay Varina image
3545 Wiltree Drive, Fuquay Varina $899,000

This home has one remarkable and unusual feature that will STRONGLY appeal to buyers. It adds hugely to the home's value. I'll show you this "special" attribute and why ...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2490199 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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Lot 5 Array Drive, Chapel Hill image
Lot 5 Array Drive, Chapel Hill $990,000

Build this stunning modernist home designed by local Carrboro architects Jose Noya and Mike Dickerson-Mills with Notch in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. ...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2486108 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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Lot 7 Array Drive, Chapel Hill image
Lot 7 Array Drive, Chapel Hill $1,000,000

Build this stunning modernist home designed by local Carrboro architects Jose Noya and Mike Dickson-Mills with Notch in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. Th...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2490666 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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2000 Greyhawk Place, Apex image
2000 Greyhawk Place, Apex $1,195,000

4698 Total Sq Ft - Main House 3858 Sq Ft - Detached 3 car garage w/Carriage House Apartment 840 Sq Ft, kitchen, Murphy bed & full ba. Gorgeous Southern Living Idea Home! ...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 5 Baths
  • 2491050 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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1125 Zagora Lane, Cary image
1125 Zagora Lane, Cary $1,200,000

WOW! Low utility bills-Solar panels. Just a few years new! Beautiful, open flr plan w/attention to detail & finishes thru-out. Hardwds grace the entire home except for b...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 5 Baths
  • 2492161 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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1607 Cates Hickory Hill Lane, Hillsborough image
1607 Cates Hickory Hill Lane, Hillsborough $1,370,000

Poised amidst 10 private acres and w over 5,300 sf of living space, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath quality-built home delivers 2 offices, lg game/rec room, large studio w 12’ cei...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2473514 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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5 N Swain, Raleigh image
5 N Swain, Raleigh $1,395,000 ▼

AIA Design Award Winner/3 Awards! Designed by in situ studio .Built in 2018. Modern design featuring highest finish standards. Elevator & 2 car garage for easy living. Ch...

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  • 3 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2478725 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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510 Peebles Street, Raleigh image
510 Peebles Street, Raleigh $1,599,900

Living Reimagined with Revolution Homes! Pre-sale opportunity nestled in the heart of Hi-Mount. Quiet, charming ITB living with restaurants, entertainment, and shopping...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2487882 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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2024 Starterwood Lane, Hillsborough image
2024 Starterwood Lane, Hillsborough $2,000,000 ▼

RETREAT! Sleek Phil Szostak-designed single-level CONTEMPORARY MODERN MASTERPIECE on 11 private acres just mins from DT Hillsborough * INSULATING CONCRETE FORM (ICF) cons...

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  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • 2462488 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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1325 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest image
1325 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest $2,500,000

One-of-a-kind estate situated on 20.44 beautiful acres! Attention HORSE LOVERS! 10 Stall Horse Barn Shed & Riding Ring! Spend time relaxing by the Salt Water Pool with Po...

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  • 2 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • 2479907 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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130 Cross Creek Drive, Chapel Hill image
130 Cross Creek Drive, Chapel Hill $3,500,000

Occasionally an opportunity comes along unlike anything else on the market. This luxurious family estate sits on 5 acres in a premier location-- minutes from downtown Ch...

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  • 6 Beds
  • 7 Baths
  • 2491595 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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2029 Giovanni Court, Cary image
2029 Giovanni Court, Cary $7,495,000 ▼

Nearly 13,000 SF of custom luxury in Cary’s exclusive Renaissance @ Regency Estates. Created by a dream team of esteemed architect, builder, interior designer & craftspeo...

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  • 6 Beds
  • 9 Baths
  • 2433250 MLS
  • ACTIVE Status
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Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .

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