| Sustainable building is the practice of: Increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water and materials. It reduces the building impacts on human health and the environment through improved design, construction, operation, maintenance, and waste removal. Sustainable or "green" building practices have demonstrated the ability to save homeowners and renters from 25%-65% in utility costs every month. Homeowners can save tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance costs over the life of their home by implementing sustainable practices and products. Green just makes cents.
Green Education
The current 8-hour Homebuyer Education Certification course includes a Green module, which was created and is available as an education resource for everyone that wants to increase their Green knowledge as it relates to the home.
"Implement Green into Your Home" is a module that reiterates that through simple changes and changes in personal behavior can make a difference in conserving our most precious commodity – Energy and Water - while trimming costs for the homeowner.
HFA Does "GREEN" Affordably
The HFA co-sponsored the development of the first affordable, single family "Green Home" in Miami-Dade County. The three bedroom home located in the City of Miami adheres to the strict benchmarks established by the nationally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Building Rating Leadership from the U.S. Green Building Council. The home achieved LEED Silver Certification in February 2009, which signifies that the home exceeds the basic standards of efficiency for usage of water, energy and materials. To view a picture of the first affordable "Green Home" in Miami-Dade County click here.
The HFA is once again a co-sponsor for the development of the second affordable, single family "Green Home" in Miami-Dade County. The three bedroom home is also located in the City of Miami and will hopefully achieve Platinum LEED Certification, as it will have solar panels whichmake use of renewable energy from the sun, and are a clean and environmentally sound means of collecting solar energy. The second affordable "Green Home" is scheduled to be complete in January 2010. To view pictures of the second affordable "Green Home" in progress clickhere.
Green Mortgage (Coming soon)
The benefits of a Green Mortgage may include a slightly lower interest rate, an option for longer repayment terms, and potential credit-score adjustments with proof of green training or environmental education, or Green-only down-payment assistance grants. These possible Green incentives may vary by lender, developer, or community program. Lenders, developers, housing counselors and buyers require information and education on the Green revolution in housing. Home buyer education classes, home buyer counseling sessions, and lender training must incorporate the benefits of green living, green housing and Green mortgages into their information and training.
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