Five Easy Ways to Green Your Next Remodel

A recent study of real-estate listings in Seattle found certified green homes sold for an 11% premium per square foot and sat on the market a quarter less time. Granted, it’s one city and one that’s particularly eco-oriented. But as much as 20% of all new construction is expected to be green by 2012. Existing homes must keep up, particularly as resale value of home improvements in general slides.

clipped from blogs.wsj.com This weekend I chronicled my journey to an entirely eco-kitchen. Most major brands of paint and home improvement stores now sell paint with low no volatile organic compounds (gaseous pollutants). It costs a few more dollars, but you don’t get headaches Any time a wall is down, add layers. It’ll cut back energy bills and make room temperature more comfortable year-round. Here are four types of insulation considered particularly “green.” Appliances: When you replace, look for the Energy Star label. Cabinets: In addition to smaller eco-lines like Neil Kelly and Breathe Easy there are at least 107 mainstream kitchen cabinet makers who incorporate a good number of health and eco features. Here’s a list. Light-emitting diodes; compact fluorescents; halogens. Put what you can on dimmers. Read more about the technology here.