It’s Easy Being Green (If You’re A Rehabber)

In light of the Live Earth concerts and the ever-growing movement toward environmental sustainability and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, I began researching ways for real estate investors to “go green” with rehab projects. Here are a few I found.

• Buy Energy Star appliances when possible. If you only do one thing to reduce the “ecological footprint” of your rehab properties, buy an energy-efficient refrigerator, which continues to save money and energy as time goes on. But it’s not only refrigerators. Energy Star is a government sponsored program that is designed to help support and identify the most energy-efficient materials for the home. It’s a smart choice not only from the standpoint of monthly bills, but also because of the tax deductions given to people who use these materials and appliances.
• Use insulated concrete forms instead of concrete blocks. These serve the same function as standard concrete, and provide added insulation, which cuts heating, air conditioning, and energy costs. As an added perk, they reduce installation costs for your contractors.
• Replace old lightbulbs with fluorescent bulbs. I was surprised to find out how much of a difference this makes environmentally and financially.
• Forget PVC shower curtains and install shower curtains made of natural fibers such as hemp or cotton. Some studies have shown that the presence of PVC leads to increased amounts of dioxins, which have negative effects on humans and the environment. Hemp is a good choice because it’s naturally mold resistant and faster-drying than other fibers. If you need a liner for the new shower curtains, try polyester or nylon instead of PVC.

P.S. If you’re interested in energy issues and good music, check out KT Tunstall. I saw her on the Live Earth telecast two days ago and was blown away by her lively performance and her interesting blend of folk-pop.  Tunstall has all of her tour vehicles running on biodiesel and planted 6000 trees in Scotland to offset the CO2 emissions caused by the production of her latest CD.