Home & Garden...

The Daily Green had a very interesting post up recently related to one couple who built green. They picked a lovely modular home by architect Michelle Kaufmann (who I'm a huge fan of by the way), and did everything right, but people got a little upset with them.

The locals objected to the style of the home. According to Daily Green, some went so far to call it "Trailer like" which frankly should be punishable by law, because none of Kaufmann's designs are trailer like. But I digress. A petition was started against the home, but in the end the home won out, due to a vote by a local board. You can read the whole story at the Daily Green.

The Daily Green calls stuff like this "Greenfear" which may be appropriate. Just trying to install a composting toilet at our passive solar house I built with my partner was a total nightmare - lots of opposition. The Daily Green also points out that people never come down on the lame old McMansions like this - which is also one of my major pet peeves. McMansions bring nothing but a big fat carbon footprint to the table, yet it's rare that full on revolts are planned against them.

So, say that you'd like to build green. Say that the neighbors object. What can you do?

Some opposition to green homes say that they'll bring property values down. In truth, green homes and green home upgrades can improve resale of a single home, but no one is really sure of the neighborhood value associations. There's not enough data yet - if you search around most research about green homes will say just that. Point being - arguing property values may not work in your favor.

If it's your immediate neighbors who object, try sitting down and talking to them. It could be that all it takes is a reduced six home, or a fence to make them happy - really, there have been cases like this in the news.

Another thing you can do is go over the positives with the neighbors. A HUGE selling point of many green homes, especially if you go modular, is time investments. Green homes (true green) tend to be smaller than conventional homes, thus saving construction time, often by half, which neighbors should be thrilled with.

Build rural or at least not in a style established neighborhoods and historic districts. It's a pain, yeah, but it's also the truth that you can face more opposition in areas like these. While I know, and you know, that green building should be the norm, not the exception, you honestly might not get your green home built, or even be allowed to install energy efficient windows if you live in a place that decides green is undesirable. Check out the neighborhood association before buying land or a house that you assume you'll be doing green upgrades on.

Hiring an established green designer, architect and construction team can work in your favor, as opposed to self building.

Make sure you follow all the building rules laid out by your city and county. Some areas have very specific rules regarding what you can and can't do with regards to green building.

Hook up with organizations who can offer you suggestions and support.

Keep talking about green building. This is a really frustrating topic, because of course we shouldn't even have to ask if we want solar panels, or wind generated power. Building green should be seen as an advantage, not a problem to the "look" or economy of a neighborhood. The only way to make change is to keep on talking about green building to everyone you know. Discuss the cost advantages over time, selling points, and other earth-based perks gained by green building.

[House photo: Sunset Breezehouse by Michelle Kaufmann] - I.E. NOT a trailer (some people, I swear).