Builders going ‘green,' group says
More builders of apartments and condominiums are
putting energy-efficient and sustainable products into their projects.
More apartment and condominium builders are putting energy-efficient and sustainable products into their projects, according to a new National Association of Home Builders survey.
The association polled builders nationwide on their green-building habits.
"Apartments and condos are inherently green, because they offer more compact development to begin with," said Steve Patterson, chairman of NAHB's Multifamily Leadership Board and an apartment and condo developer from Orlando, Fla. "With today's heightened consumer interest in green, multifamily builders are embracing more green and recyclable products, and are more willing to invest in energy efficiency."
And consumers are willing to pay to be green - at least a little. Seventy-four percent of those who responded to the survey said buyers and renters are willing to pay extra for apartments and condos with green amenities. However, the premium they’re willing to accept is only about 2 percent.
Nevertheless, 89 percent of those surveyed are putting in energy-efficient appliances and lighting products.
Among the other findings:
79 percent are installing windows with “low-E” glass.
64 percent are using recycled or recyclable products.
50 percent are using much more insulation than state building codes require. That rises to 70 percent for builders who work on the West Coast.
More apartment and condominium builders are putting energy-efficient and sustainable products into their projects, according to a new National Association of Home Builders survey.
The association polled builders nationwide on their green-building habits.
"Apartments and condos are inherently green, because they offer more compact development to begin with," said Steve Patterson, chairman of NAHB's Multifamily Leadership Board and an apartment and condo developer from Orlando, Fla. "With today's heightened consumer interest in green, multifamily builders are embracing more green and recyclable products, and are more willing to invest in energy efficiency."
And consumers are willing to pay to be green - at least a little. Seventy-four percent of those who responded to the survey said buyers and renters are willing to pay extra for apartments and condos with green amenities. However, the premium they’re willing to accept is only about 2 percent.
Nevertheless, 89 percent of those surveyed are putting in energy-efficient appliances and lighting products.
Among the other findings:
79 percent are installing windows with “low-E” glass.
64 percent are using recycled or recyclable products.
50 percent are using much more insulation than state building codes require. That rises to 70 percent for builders who work on the West Coast.
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