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.

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.
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.
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.
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!
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.

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.
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.
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:

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.
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.

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.
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:
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!
FOR SALE: CALL BROKER FOR PRICING. Church Assembly Space & School House Near Five Points. 219 & 223 Georgetown Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608. ±7,104.84 SF on ±0.90 Acres...
THIS IS A LAND LEASE ONLY. $1000 per month. Will suit small agricultural uses, animal uses, gardening and horticultural activities/hobbies, barns, stables, agricultural...
State: NC County: Orange City: Chapel Hill Parcel ID Number: 9778943320 One landlocked and unimproved 0.06 acre (2613.6 square foot) lot near the end of Johnson Str...
1 acre wooded lot with generous frontage, minutes from Pittsboro and Sanford, ~40 minutes from Raleigh. County water and electric power available at road. No zoning r...
Build your first home or your retirement. Lots to enjoy in Siler City.
Discover the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life on this beautiful vacant lot. Offering a blank canvas for your dream home or investment, this property provi...
Discover the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life on this beautiful vacant lot. Offering a blank canvas for your dream home or investment, this property provi...
Great opportunity to own a 0.24 acre lot near a major growth area, Triangle Innovation Point. No restrictive covenants or HOA. Close to Jordan Lake and Harris Lake, provi...
Create the home you've always envisioned on this .29-acre homesite in a desirable, well-established neighborhood near the heart of downtown Siler City. Whether you prefer...
Discover the possibilities with this 1-acre unimproved lot in rural Siler City. Surrounded by established homes, the property offers privacy with the convenience of nearb...
Established lot in Harmony Hills subdivision off of Highway 64 in Siler City. Level lot with .17 acre. HOA & Restrictions. Home has to be stick built & minimum 1100 sq...
Established lot in Harmony Hills subdivision off of Highway 64 in Siler City. Level lot with .22 acre. HOA & Restrictions. Home has to be stick built & minimum 1100 sq...
Spacious .46-acre homesite in Durham! Great potential with plenty of yard space and convenient access to local amenities. Perfect for buyers or investors looking for valu...
Established lot in Harmony Hills subdivision off of Highway 64 in Siler City. Level lot with .20 acre. HOA & Restrictions. Home has to be stick built & minimum 1100 sq...
Established lot in Harmony Hills subdivision off of Highway 64 in Siler City. Level lot with .17 acre. HOA & Restrictions. Home has to be stick built & minimum 1100 sq...
Established lot in Harmony Hills subdivision off of Highway 64 in Siler City. Level lot with .16 acre. HOA & Restrictions. Home has to be stick built & minimum 1100 sq...
This lot and the one listed for sale at 0 Richmond Ave do touch one another. All 50' of the rear property line of the 0 Richmond Ave lot in fact abuts up to this lot at 7...
Great opportunity to own a 0.64-acre vacant lot in Burlington! This property offers a spacious setting with plenty of potential for your future home or investment. Conven...
Looking for land to build on in the country side? Tucked back into the country sits 1.5 peaceful acres. There is another 1.5 acre lot for sale that adjoins this land. Th...
The lot is not suitable for building, but it could be great for adding extra acreage to your current lot. There is a storm water runoff ''ditch'' beside the lot, not a na...
If you'd like to live out in the country, but still be a few convenient minutes to town, Alta Vista could be the build spot for you! Permitted for a 3-bedroom home, the p...
Located in the heart of Fuquay-Varina, this beautiful 0.35-acre homesite at 508 McLean St offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home in one of the Triangle's fast...
› 0.56 Acres (PIN 0833500911) › Currently wooded and unimproved › No direct access to the site › Electric service, public water, and sanitary sewer are available in the v...
Build your dream home on this 0.20-acre wooded lot nestled in Pearson Park, Durham, NC. This wooded lot offers privacy and natural beauty while remaining conveniently loc...
Residentially zoned buildable lot close to Downtown Durham, NCCU, and Duke. Easy access to I-85, Hwy 147. Strong growth and redevelopment area. Ideal for investors looki...
This lot and the one listed for sale at 734 Power St do touch one another. All 50' of the rear property line of this lot at 0 Richmond Ave in fact abuts up to the lot lis...
Lovely Graham subdivision convenient to I-85/40, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Burlington areas. Restrictive Covenants include: min sq ft 1 story 1800 HSF; 1 1/2 or 2 story 12...
Build your dream home on 1.1 Acres in Snow Camp. This property comes with a conventional septic system permit, valid for 3 bedrooms. New Mobile Homes allowed. Permits are...
Lovely Graham subdivision convenient to I-85/40, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Burlington areas. Restrictive covenants include: Min sq ft 1 story 1800 HSF; 1 1/2 or 2 story 12...
Lovely Graham subdivision convenient to I-85/40, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Burlington areas. Restrictive covenants include: min sq ft 1 story 1800 HSF; 1 1/2 or 2 story 12...
Lovely Graham subdivision convenient to I-85/40, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Burlington areas. Restrictive Covenants include: min sq ft 1 story 1800 HSF; 1 1/2 or 2 story 12...
0.59 Acres (PIN 0833611810) › Currently wooded and unimproved › Access via Usher St › Electric service, public water, and sanitary sewer are available in the vicinity of ...
Great opportunity to start a new in Garner. Located in an existingneighborhood that was never completed.
Great opportunity to start anew in Garner. Located in an existing neighborhood that was never completed.
Great opportunity to start anew in Garner. Located in an existing neighborhood that was never completed.
.87 acres in North Durham! This wooded lot is ready for your real estate adventure! it has been surveyed and the corners are marked. Soil and environmental reports are ...
.87 acres in North Durham! This wooded lot is ready for your NEXT real estate adventure! it has been surveyed and the corners are marked. Soil and environmental reports...
.87 acres in North Durham! This wooded lot is ready for your real estate adventure! it has been surveyed and the corners are marked. Soil and environmental reports are st...
Build your starter home here. Flat lot, ready to build. near N Roxboro St. NO HOA. Gravel driveway. Partial Wire fenced. Fence is not on the edge of property. see survey....
Escape the noise and discover your own private retreat near Gibsonville! This 1.71-acre unrestricted property offers a rare combination of flexibility, convenience, and n...
Lot 1 per image and plat. Recently subdivided; new tax values yet to be assigned. Close proximity to US Highway 70 and NC Highway 49; less than 2 miles from I-40/I-85 exi...
*THIS LOT IS TO BE SOLD WITH 2805 BANKS RD* Located on Banks Rd in South Raleigh, this property offers potential for subdivision, presenting a valuable opportunity for...
Located in the heart of Durham, 909 Valmet Drive offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home on a spacious 0.69-acre lot. With plenty of room for a custom single-f...
This 0.5 acre lot offers the perfect blend of flexibility and convenience. Already equipped with an existing septic tank, this property gives you a valuable head start. ...
INVEST and own this lot in a growing area of Durham. Near shopping, hiking trails & parks by the Eno River and conveniences. Lot can be sold by itself or in conjunction...
INVEST and own this lot in a growing area of Durham. Near shopping, hiking trails & parks by the Eno River and conveniences. Lot can be sold by itself or in conjunction ...
Located in Zebulon, this .30-acre lot offers a prime opportunity to build in a growing area. Conveniently situated near shopping, dining, schools, and major roadways, you...
2.028 Acre lot, could be cleared for horses. This lot is only available with the purchase of 3415 Mt Willing Rd listing which has a home built in 1891 on 9.48 Acres. ML...
Private Recreational Tract with Hunting & Wildlife Potential. Looking for your own private piece of North Carolina countryside? This wooded tract offers a peaceful natura...
Just imagine building your dream home on this spacious 2.055-acre lot in Siler City, where preparation meets possibility. With a completed soil and Perc evaluation and ap...
Flat 1.65 Acre lot directly of NC86-N. 3 miles from DT Hillsborough. Old well and septic on site. Failed to quailfy for septic improvment permit in 2012. Stuctrure was ...
.42 acre residential lot located in Camelot subdivision in Garner. Great opportunity to build in a convenient location near shopping, dining, and major highways.
INCREDIBLE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH UNLIMITED RETURN. COME UNLOCK AMAZING CASH FLOW POTENTIAL SAVING THOUSANDS IN INTEREST OR COME AND FREE UP CASH FOR REPAIRS AND ONL...
Gorgeous lot and central to all things in Raleigh! This lot size is .45 acres. Short walking distance to the Neuse River trail and canoe launch. Easy access to 540, 40,...
Great Building lot opportunity minutes from I-85 and Downtown Durham. Perfect for a single-family home or DUPLEX and ADU!!! Zoned RS-20. The property has been annexed ...
Price Improvement! Cleared residential lot offering an excellent opportunity for an infill home or investment in Durham. Now offered at $60,000, this property is priced b...
4815 Redwood Road, Durham, NC- Looking for a New Owner!! Opportunity awaits with this 0.35-acre vacant lot nestled in Durham County! Whether you're looking to invest or c...
We have a great investment opportunity in this single wide trailer on .66 acres in a great location within Burlington. This property needs improvements and for that reas...
Easy Access and Flat Land, Corner Lot.
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home on this beautiful build-to-suit lot on Stoney Creek Church Road in Western School district. Tucked into the peaceful count...
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home on this beautiful build-to-suit lot on Stoney Creek Church Road in Western School district. Tucked into the peaceful count...
Land for residential use in Rougemont NC. 1.5 acres+/- for a potential building site. Subject a septic and well test. Research did not produce a perc site evaluation perm...
Just imagine building your dream home on this beautiful 1.783-acre lot in the heart of Siler City, where the groundwork has already been done for you. With a completed so...
Just imagine creating your perfect home or investment project on this 1.767 acre lot in Siler City, where opportunity and growth come together. With a completed soil and ...
Calling all investors and DIY enthusiasts! This home is full of potential and ready for its next chapter. Whether you're looking for your next renovation project or a pla...
Just imagine creating your perfect home or investment project on this 1.986 acre lot in Siler City, where opportunity and growth come together. With a completed soil and ...
Just imagine creating your perfect home or investment project on this 2.231-acre lot in Siler City, where opportunity and growth come together. With a completed soil and ...
Rare opportunity to acquire approximately 2 acres of wooded land just outside of Downtown Durham in highly flexible RU-5 zoning, offering potential for small-lot developm...
Approximately 0.40-acre vacant lot is conveniently located on Old Stage Road near McCullers Crossroads, with easy access to Raleigh, Garner, and Fuquay-Varina. The proper...
Wonderful building lot!
Build your vision on this 0.63-acre undeveloped lot, offering a great opportunity for residential construction. Ready to build, providing ample space for a home and outdo...
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a prime piece of land in the heart of downtown Durham! This .27-acre lot is located in a charming, tree-lined residential ne...
Bring your own house plan and build with Synergy Building--or choose one of their thoughtfully designed plans. With just over 1 acre, you'll be able to build your dream h...
Great location offering numerous development options in downtown Siler City. Zoned Industrial-Office, the options include single family residence and combining various bu...
End of the road privacy meets everyday convenience! This more than 1 acre lot in the Village of Alamance offers room to dream, build and grow. With a prepaid water and se...
Don't miss your chance to live in the new & beautiful Winding Creek at the Haw subdivision! This is a presale lot. Buyer will pick floor plan or custom floor plan to buil...
Don't miss your chance to live in the new & beautiful Winding Creek at the Haw subdivision! This is a presale lot. Buyer will pick floor plan or custom floor plan to buil...
1.5 acres with road frontage just 40 minutes from Raleigh, easy access to Sanford, Apex, Pittsboro, Siler City. No HOA and low property taxes. No zoning restrictions,...
Bring your own house plan and build with Synergy Building - or choose one of their thoughtfully designed plans. With almost 2 acres of land, you will have plenty of space...
Don't miss your chance to live in the new & beautiful Winding Creek at the Haw subdivision! This neighborhood is only 10 mins from downtown Mebane & I-40. Build your drea...
Build your own DREAM HOME on Two Lots 3024 (1.94 Acres) 3026 (.48 Acres) Ruth Street, North, Durham Total 2.42 Acres. Both Lots Sold Together. These two lots have plenty ...
Wooded homesite is the heart of downtown Durham. Just a few blocks from Old Five Points area. The lot would work for a basement and unique plan. There is a stream on ...
Unrestricted and full of potential! This beautiful level tract offers mature vegetation, excellent public road frontage, and a prime location near JS Waters School. Zon...
Opportunity is knocking! If you're and investor, this would add great to your portfolio. Schedule your showing today and come see the potential for yourself!
Just 11 minutes from downtown Raleigh, this private, vacant lot offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility—all at a great price! Nestled within an establishe...
Lot 3 per image and plat. Recently subdivided; new tax values yet to be assigned. Close proximity to US Highway 70 and NC Highway 49; less than 2 miles from I-40/I-85 exi...
Beautiful lot in a small developed neighborhood! Bring your own builder or hold for investment.
1.16 Acres (PIN 0833309824) › Currently wooded and unimproved › Access via Dominion St off of Bel Air Ave › A mapped blue-line stream runs along the western boundary of t...
WONDERFUL BUILDING OPPORTUNITY!! Relatively flat topography with the possibility for a lower-level. Direct proximity to the Clubhouse at Governors Club. Walk to the pool,...
Lot with amazing Tuscaloosa-Lakewood location and great potential! Durham's small lot option with 2610 also available as a package deal presents a rare opportunity for t...
Wonderful building lot!
Lot available for immediate start! .34 acre lot in the city limits with city services. Bring your own builder or we can price the house for you. Check docs for lot detai...
Great lot located in downtown Wake Forest, Utilities nearby. Dont miss this opportunity to build your dream home or investment property.
undeveloped land
Don't miss your chance to build your dream home in this wonderful equestrian community. Black HorseRun offers a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, riding trails and ability ...
Attention developers and investors — rapidly growing Durham! Located at 209 Fountain St (8015 sq. ft.) offering a great opportunity for your next project. Situated in a h...
Attention developers and investors — rapidly growing Durham! Located at 217 Fountain St (12,957 sq. ft.) offering a great opportunity for your next project. Situated in a...
Lot available to build. Bring your own builder!
Build Your Custom Home in Growing South Raleigh! Welcome to 608 Poplar Springs Church Rd -- a rare opportunity to secure a spacious lot in one of Raleigh's expanding corr...
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2026 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .