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Energy efficiency dominates green scene
13/08/09
Energy efficiency and cost-cutting measures are the most important elements of green design for home owners, according to a new survey from the US. The Synovate study for house plan provider FreeGreen found that energy efficiency was the top issue for 45.1% of those questioned.
This put it ahead of using environmentally-friendly materials - which was the most important element of green design for 19.1% of home owners - and having a renewable power source, which garnered 18.8% of the vote.
FreeGreen chief executive David Wax said the survey highlights the gaps between what consumers see as the most important elements of green houses and what industry standards prescribe.
The US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-H) ratings put energy and atmosphere, water efficiency and sustainable sites as the top elements of green design.
Mr Wax said the survey could help the LEED-H guidelines to incorporate the "best of both worlds" from green builders and consumers.
