Sales of green homes on the rise

Representatives from four suppliers and product manufactures spoke this week at the National Association of Home Builders International Builders' Show in Orlando indicated green-built homes will take an increasingly large percentage of the market in direct proportion to their price -- because home buyers' prime motivation today is cost effectiveness.

"The key is value for every stakeholder in the process," from the manufacturer to the builder and the home buyer, said Richard Davenport, director of sustainable construction for BASF.

The good news, said Kohler's Rob Zimmerman, is that product manufacturers have been able to focus on the creation of new technology during the current building downturn "that will make green building more affordable."

The speakers represented the sponsors of NAHB's fourth annual Green Day, held each year to commemorate growth in green, energy-efficient and sustainable home building and remodeling practices. They gave their remarks at the opening press conference.

Editor's note: This seems like a good opportunity for the green industry to co-market plants. If consumers care about the so-called greenness of their homes, they're sure to be concerned about the landscape. Get out there and sell!