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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
Welcome to Northern Alamance County. This quiet home is situated on right at 18 acres with a peaceful surrounding. This home has a split floor plan with two living spaces...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2513929 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Step into this charming and delightful residence that effortlessly blends modern updates with an enchanting ambiance. This cute 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is a true gem, ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2542732 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
BETTER THAN NEW! This one story home in popular Autumn Lakes offers 22 solar panels that were installed in 2022 offering a remarkably low summer electric bill of only $17...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2543306 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to your dream home in Durham! This charming property offers everything you could wish for in an updated, comfortable, and eco-friendly residence. With 3 beds and ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2541461 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The villas at Haywood Glen are excited to introduce you to the 2-story Spencer plan. This home, with a 2-car attached rear-load garage, provides a lot on the first floor....
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2529341 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Our Roshambo Collection takes us back to a time when all scores could be settled with a game of Rock - Paper - Scissors. This Paper plan covers Rock proving sometimes a m...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2515795 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Looking for that perfectly located subdivision with no HOA? You found it. This home offers 4 bedrooms and a loft with a cute little nook. The 3rd floor can be your 4th...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2543446 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Welcome home to this cozy east Raleigh home- the perfect place to create memories for years to come! Situated on the 18th hole of the Hedingham Golf Course, this 4 bedroo...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2542309 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome home to this cozy east Raleigh home- the perfect place to create memories for years to come! Situated on the 18th hole of the Hedingham Golf Course, this 4 bedroo...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2542309 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Named for the five peaks in Breckenridge, CO. Find peace in the effortless flow of this floor plan. This home welcomes you with sky-high ceilings and an open living space...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2537383 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The right side of the paired villa is named for a camp owned by the family of one of our Rock Stars! Appropriately named for its lake and expansive foliage. Take a breath...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2530255 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The right side of the paired villa is named for a camp owned by the family of one of our Rock Stars! Appropriately named for its lake and expansive foliage. Take a breath...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2535006 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to your MOVE-IN READY home! Within a few minutes of downtown Raleigh and historical parks, nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this cozy home greets you with a bonus ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2533781 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
STUNNING, CUSTOM, FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND NOMAD HOUSE Owner is selling this incredibly special furnished single-family home, as the startup built this house as an experimental...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2533453 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
New carpet & interior paint coming soon! Enjoy easy living in this popular 55+ community with amazing amenities, social events and activities! ONE LEVEL DETACHED with NO ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2534569 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to your dream home, nestled close to both nature and convenience! This stunning home boasts 5 spacious bedrooms, with a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bat...
- 5 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 10000223 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This single-family home is located in Chatham Park, an innovative master-planned community on the leading edge of what it means to live life in a balance of recreation, n...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2541724 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
For sale by the original owners and located on 3 acres, this quality, hand-built homeplace has been meticulously maintained and offers the perfect balance of functionalit...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2537350 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Please come sit on this dreamy front porch! You may never want to leave...complete paradise on all sides! Sellers spent endless hours out there with windchimes & birds s...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2521339 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This Contemporary Glenmark is a Green Certified home in Chatham Park is by locally-owned Homes By Dickerson. A striking exterior leading to a 4 bedroom home offers a firs...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2514441 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Limited time $15,000 Use As You Choose incentive available on this home with use of preferred lender and closing attorney! Home to close 2023. Welcome to your dream hom...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2532991 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." — Anne Frank. This plan thrives to improve your world! It's the only hom...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2537365 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
We've made big plans! Plans to keep you and your guests safe and comfortable. Drop everything in the mudroom on your way in and wash your hands in the powder room. Guests...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2527992 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Preservation & panache. 1881 Italianate Nicholas Corbett Hester House saved from dereliction & delightfully restored with solar power & sensibility to the environment. 18...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2539590 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Location, location, and location! Lots of details in this spacious and gorgeous home in the most sought-after AMBERLY Village Square neighborhood. Beautiful oak hardwood ...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2537502 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Construction has begun in Array! Build one story home in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. This and all of the homes will be very energy efficient and have ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2473611 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Construction has begun in Array! Build one story home in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. This and all of the homes will be very energy efficient and have ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2473611 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful 5 bed, 4.5 bath home in Southern Village on Glade St. Lots of natural light and outdoor spaces to entertain and play, steps to SV swim and tennis club. This ho...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2540057 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Luxury, custom built townhome in the heart of Raleigh. 4 bed, 4.5 bath home w/ 1st floor owner's suite. Open, bright floorplan w/ 10' ceilings on 1st floor, heavy trim th...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2535853 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Construction has begun in Array! Build this 1.5 story modernist home or remove the second story for a smaller one-level home (2370 sq ft). Array is NC’s first net-zero ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2503442 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Construction has begun in Array! Build this modernist home or any design you want in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. This home and all of the homes in Arr...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2486108 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Construction has begun in Array! Build this modernist home or any design you want in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. This home and all of the homes in Arr...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2486108 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Truly an oasis between Durham and Chapel Hill. Custom built home has open floorplan with washed oak floors, spectacular ceiling vaults and gorgeous views of neighboring p...
- 3 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2530917 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Still time to make selections and customize to make your own. Just a short stroll away from parks, schools, dining spots, and shopping destinations! Sought-after main f...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2539454 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
DO NOT LOOK AT THIS HOUSE if you want to live on a boring street away from the Energy & Activities of Midtown!! If you love a fun lifestyle and luxury living, here you g...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2516712 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
High impact. Low imprint. Meet Tower - one of Raleigh’s first of net-zero-energy (NZE) home collections. Tower’s Matsumoto award-winning design, featured by The Wall Stre...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2529814 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
High impact. Low imprint. Meet Tower - one of Raleigh’s first of net-zero-energy (NZE) home collections. Tower’s Matsumoto award-winning design, featured by The Wall Stre...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2529821 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 Cha...
- 6 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2491595 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
First-of-its-kind, luxury, gated community in North Raleigh secluded on 15 wooded acres featuring contemporary design, turn-key, fully furnished interior, spec homes. All...
- 4 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2534106 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Situated amidst serene landscapes & a private lake, this 10-acre haven offers tranquility just minutes from Downtown Cary, featuring dining, shopping, entertainment, & ea...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2524541 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 .