There has been a lot of research conducted regarding the benefits of carbon-free homes. Benefits to the environment in energy savings and reducing our carbon footprints are evident in this research. Climate change is upon us. It’s important to make residences and commercial buildings net-zero energy-consuming structures.
In March 2021, a North Carolina Building Performance Association (NCBPA) study said energy-efficient homes are good for the environment and have a higher resale value. While building a net-zero energy home will cost a bit more, it will pay off in the long run.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) studies indicate that 46% of home builders say that marketing green homes is effortless compared to non-green homes. In the same study, 71% of homebuyers reported that energy efficiency is important when buying a home.
Given the benefit to the environment and our pocketbooks, isn’t it time to seriously consider who to reduce your carbon footprint?
Legislation to Reduce Emissions and Fight Climate Change
Delaware Green Building Practice
More and more carbon-free homes, government and commercial buildings across the nation have been built. Delaware has mandated that all new residential and commercial buildings shall be net-zero capable by 2025 and 2030. Primarily, the focus is:
- Sustainable site development
- Increase of water and energy efficiency
- Reducing waste and emissions
- Usage of eco-friendly materials
- Improving the indoor environment
Sustainable Energy Utility in Delaware collaborates with different Housing Development Corporations to realize a resident’s dream of only paying a meager amount for utility bills. Sounds good to me!
Maryland Climate Solutions Now Act
In 2017 that 20% of the carbon emissions in Maryland were from residential and commercial buildings. While that is lower than the national average of 40%, it can be better.
Maryland has developed a strategy to reduce the impact of global climate change. By the year 2045, the Climate Solutions Now Act requires a statewide reduction of emissions to zero. State governments have been very aggressive and dedicated to attaining their goals.
Virginia Clean Economy Act
Last year in Virginia, the Governor signed legislation that made Virginia the first state to set a goal of being carbon-free. Approved legislation mandates its two biggest utilities, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, to shift to renewable energy by 2045 and 2050.
Virginia has also joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which outlines a system for controlling carbon emissions and other forms of other atmospheric pollution. The legislation will achieve the following:
- Attaining clean-energy goals
- Setting energy standards for the state’s electrical providers
- Mandating the development of the offshore wind energy
- Opening doors for additional rooftop solar
These are just examples of how just three states are stepping up and aggressively promoting green energy to fight the man-made effects of climate change.
Are you looking for a net-zero energy home in the District, Virginia, or Maryland? Our team has been working in the DC Metro area, Virginia and Maryland for the last 15 years and can help you get where you’d like to be. Please click here for our contact page. Thanks for visiting!
