Research offers insights on green home buyers

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and McGraw-Hill Construction have released preliminary results of a study on attitudes towards green home construction. One million households were surveyed to find those who had purchased green homes in the last three years. Some highlights of the research:

• The vast majority (83%) said their new homes offered lower operating costs, lower energy bills (79%), and lower water bills (68%).
• Going green was the top reason cited by survey respondents for remodeling their home (42%).
• 70% of buyers are either more or much more inclined to purchase a green home over a conventional home in down housing market. 
• More than half (56%) of those surveyed who have bought green homes earn less than $75,000 per year; 29% earn less than $50,000.
• Overall, lower income buyers say they found tax credits and government programs, indoor air quality benefits and green certifications to be the most important incentives for them to buy green homes.

Complete research results will be released in the fall.