Environmentally Friendly is Efficient

     As energy prices sky rocket, many are looking more closely at how they consume non-renewable resources.  The simple question of gas or electric is no longer a matter of convenience, but of economics. 

The EarthCraft House program looks at the factors of resource use, material selection, and overall design to create a home that is not only high performance, but also environmentally friendly. Indeed, the two go hand in hand.

Many believe that a green home is an expensive home. While up front costs may be marginally higher in a house built with the environment in mind than a conventionally designed home, the financial, social, environmental and health benefits pay for themselves every time you pay the energy bill.

These links are helpful for finding out about up-front costs, long term savings, and federal and South Carolina state tax incentives for building and renovating with higher quality standards in mind.

Up-Front Costs and Long Term Rewards of Going Green

Home Energy Saver - Complete an in-depth on-line energy audit for your home to see what areas are best to focus on to make your home more green. Includes estimated savings for your house for each measure taken.

Green Building Costs and Financial Benefits - A case study showing up-front costs versus long term savings per square foot.

Southface Fact Sheets and Technical Bulletins - A list fact sheets showing easy ways to increase your home’s efficiency.  Fact sheets and Bulletins include figures involving estimated savings and conventional home energy costs

SC and Federal Tax Incentives

Compiled List – A list of SC and Federal Tax Incentives for Homeowners, Builders and Business

Energy Tax Incentives - Guidelines and forms for green building and remodeling.

DSIRE.org - A state-by-state database for state, local, utility, and federal incentive programs.

The South Carolina Energy Office web-site – The SC Energy Office web site is a great resource for finding out more about incentive programs available to South Carolinians.