Weighing the Environmental and Financial Factors
You might be wondering if a newly built home is right for you, or if it’s better to get a lived-in home. Once upon a time, that question was a simple matter of personal preference. But for today’s buyers, compelling questions arise about affordability in a very hot market, as well as the environmental impact of housing.
So, let’s take a look at a few considerations on each side. The question is complicated, and there is no set-in-stone answer. But we can certainly offer a springboard for you to do further research in the areas that you’d like to live in.
Which Is Better for Our Environment?
New construction integrates the latest materials. New buildings can be highly efficient from an energy-use standpoint. In California, all newly built homes must come with a solar energy system, for example. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC®) is an energy-efficiency guide for states that use it to create their own sets of standards. It includes rules for ceiling and wall insulation, windows and door seals, exterior wall insulation foam, and LED lighting.\ Not surprisingly, these features do tend to add to the cost of the home.
An existing home, in contrast, can have a lot of old equipment that’s not optimized to meet modern environmental standards. Old washers and dryers, inefficient HVAC systems, thin windows, doors with old seals — all of these are common in older homes. And older homes might use water, energy, and other resources inefficiently.
Of course, with some existing homes, the situation is different because they were built more recently, or because they have been renovated with eco-efficient upgrades. This complicates the answer. But buyers can make checklists and weigh these factors to pick out the best overall package.
They can also choose homes with compact dimensions so heating and cooling systems don’t have to use so much energy. Multi-unit homes such as condos and co-ops often have lower electric bills than detached houses, on account of lighter interior heat, cooling, and cleaning needs. They also economize by sharing their exterior energy use.
Buyers can also ask: Is this home on newly developed land? Or was it built in a shopping mall or another developed site? These days, it might even be housing converted from office buildings! Completely new land development that paves over green space is unlikely to be the environmentalist’s top choice — no matter how many eco-friendly features the builder has installed. Eco-aware home buyers may want to steer clear of beachfront and wetlands properties, too. They are particularly sensitive habitat for animal and plant life. They’re also subject to erosion as climate disruption and sea level rise impacts land worldwide.
And don’t forget to take walkability into account. Buyers in car-dependent communities are giving up some of the environmental gains they make when purchasing an eco-friendly house.
Which Is Costlier?
Eco-friendly features in buildings can make a big difference in the effort to cut greenhouse emissions, but what about affordability? Certainly, upfront costs for new or renovated, energy-efficient homes tend to be higher. Yet an investment made in energy efficiency pays off for the buyer in energy savings over time.
Habitat for Humanity has found that solar panels and energy-efficient construction allow for affordable homes with very low heating and cooling bills. Habitat’s “net-zero” homes, built in accordance with the U.S. Energy Department’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, can produce roughly the same amount of energy as they consume.
On the other hand, new construction can come with kinks, and no previous owner has been in the picture to work them out. Beyond the higher price tag for new construction, the buyer might need to correct improperly installed lighting or plumbing work, windows, or other elements. Smart homes can have glitches that need to be fixed — although when they work well, they will save energy and may even bolster the local grid.
Some homes are purpose-built for the environmentally aware clients. Leading the sector is the passive house — a home which makes the most of natural light, heat, and air flow. Green building techniques also integrate recycled materials, natural landscapes, and eco-friendly systems. Electric cars and battery storage, renewable energy, efficient appliances, greenhouses and even kitchen gardens are popular touches. If you’re hoping to have a sustainable home built for you, get oriented by researching LEED certification for houses. Some cities, such as Seattle, fast-track permits for construction that meets the government’s climate standards.
On the other side of the coin, buying an existing home can be much less expensive than having one custom-built. To buy an existing home, a buyer can browse what’s already listed, visit the most appealing offerings, and decide. Selecting a home with relatively small dimensions is an eco-friendly move in itself. And if the home needs renovating, it could be the perfect time to buy it with the intent to upgrade it with energy-saving systems.
Does It Have to Be One of the Other?
As you see, it doesn’t! Many eco-conscious buyers are happy to buy older homes to remodel with their environmental goals in mind. This option avoids the need for high-emissions inputs such as concrete and new building materials. Given the current supply-chain backlogs and worker shortages, new materials are costly on multiple levels!
So, the general idea is to avoid using more new resources than necessary today, while planning for the lowest energy use over time. Choosing and retrofitting an existing home can be your best route to sustainable ownership.
☛ Home renovations that go beyond basic maintenance might require permits. Find out by calling your local building and licensing department. We delve into the issue with DIY Renovations? Everything You Wanted to Know (or Not) About Permits.
The Importance of Mindfulness
Green building trends are rising. Many home buyers are thinking of joining the groundswell, with good reason. Global construction accounts for 38% of total greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent report published by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, with the total building activity amounting to “the size of Paris being built every week.” Therefore, reducing emissions from buildings is essential.
Once we recognize the issue, we might ask if the best approach to housing is to buy an older house or seek out new construction and energy-efficient design. Part of the decision always involves price. Green buildings can be expensive. But there are numerous ways to live mindfully. Consider resource-efficient upgrades, buying less square footage, and being a conscientious consumer. All are impactful ways to lighten your steps on our one-and-only Earth.
Supporting References
Ted Roelofs for Bridge Michigan: Environment Watch – Updating Michigan Energy Rules on New Homes Faces Pushback From Builders (Jan. 24, 2022).
World Economic Forum (WEForum.org): How Can We Reduce the Construction Industry’s Carbon Footprint? (Jul. 13, 2021). By Marcus Fairs, founder and editor-in-chief, Dezeen (citing a report published by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development).
Sam Massoudi for Strata.ca: The Great Carbon Debate: Are Condos Better for The Environment Than Houses? (May 2021).
Associated Press: California May Slash Rate Solar Users Get to Sell Power Back to Utilities (Dec. 13, 2021).
Green Builder Media: Habitat for Humanity’s Latest Housing Project Brings Green Affordability (Nov. 18, 2019).
Kayla Matthews for Planetizen.com: Comparing the Environmental Impact of Building Versus Buying a Home? (Oct. 13, 2017).
Photo credits: Renee Asmussen and Rodolfo Quirós, via Pexels.