What are ways to make a home environmentally friendly? How would you develop a win-win plan that shows how everyone will benefit from your...

There are many different ways to make a home environmentally friendly. Some apply to new buildings, and some to existing homes. 

The first element one should consider is energy efficiency. This would include features such as roof and wall insulation, landscaping to reduce heating and cooling costs, installing energy-efficient windows and window treatments, adding ceiling fans, and doing an energy audit to identify problems such as improperly sealed gaskets or gaps under exterior doors. Active...

There are many different ways to make a home environmentally friendly. Some apply to new buildings, and some to existing homes. 

The first element one should consider is energy efficiency. This would include features such as roof and wall insulation, landscaping to reduce heating and cooling costs, installing energy-efficient windows and window treatments, adding ceiling fans, and doing an energy audit to identify problems such as improperly sealed gaskets or gaps under exterior doors. Active and passive solar systems and energy-efficient appliances will also reduce a home's carbon footprint.

When building or renovating a home, one can choose environmentally-friendly materials. This might include bamboo rather than hardwood flooring, recycled materials, and other green building materials.

The main benefits of a more environmentally-friendly home are a reduction in energy costs. Eliminating use of toxic materials in construction can help potential residents with allergies or chemical sensitivities. From a seller's point of view, green homes sell faster and at a premium price. From a buyer's perspective, a green home will have lower energy costs. Another intangible benefit of a green home is that it aligns with the ethical beliefs of many people worried about global climate change, and behaving in a way one considers ethical can contribute to happiness.