Sustainable living is a priority for many residents of Asheville, NC, and if it’s a priority for you, too, you’re in luck. There are a variety of green homes for sale in our region, including those in eco-friendly communities, along with local builders prepared to build your dream green home from scratch. Keep reading to learn about the basics, the benefits of green building, and some of the best eco-housing communities in Asheville, NC.
Table of Contents
- What is green building?
- Are green building communities popular in Asheville?
- 5 of the Best Green Building & Sustainable Communities in Asheville
What is green building?
According to the Green Built Alliance, “green building, or sustainable design, is the practice of increasing the energy, water, and material efficiency of our buildings and their sites.” This practice isn’t just beneficial to the environment, but to homeowners as well, since green building is accompanied by a variety of perks that extend beyond sustainability into quality of life.
The Green Built Alliance is an Asheville-based organization that is involved in a variety of environmental initiatives, one of which is certifying homes as Green Built Homes. A points system is used to determine a home’s sustainability level; the more efficient and self-sustaining features are included in the home, the more points it receives and the higher its certification level. The highest levels of certification are reserved for “Regenerative” homes, which make a net positive impact on their owners and the surrounding ecosystem.
With this being said, let’s dive into the most important factors that go into the construction of a green home and the benefits that these homes offer for their owners.
Core Elements of Green Building
- Responsibility.
- A green home’s construction and operation must make a low impact on the environment around it. To have a home considered for certification, developers must strive to maintain the ecosystems that are already in place on the property. Green Built Home certification has many prerequisites related to low-impact building. For example, no Level 1 invasive plants can be introduced, and erosion control plans must be developed. To accumulate points toward the home’s certification level, builders can plant trees, preserve over 25 percent of existing trees, or grind stumps into mulch, among other efforts.
- Efficiency.
- Conservation of power, water, and materials is integral to green building, both during construction and throughout the home’s existence. When building the home, developers should test the home’s windows, doors, and insulation to ensure there is as little leakage as possible. Energy-efficient appliances and construction materials should be used throughout, and LED or CFL lights are required to be used in 75 percent of permanent light fixtures.
- Sustainability.
- Green Built Homes are created with the future in mind. They’re intended to not merely provide a place to live for their inhabitants, but rather, a place for them to thrive. Developers can earn points by including spots for solar panels on the roof, building raised beds for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs, installing systems for stormwater repurposing, and integrating other forms of sustainability into the home.
Benefits of Green Building
- Financial perks.
- Having a green home can lead to some serious savings, both from reduced utility bills and other incentives. According to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR website, a typical household equipped with ENERGY STAR appliances can save around $450 per year on energy bills. Renewable energy tax credits are available for those looking to install solar panels, and private energy companies such as Duke and Dominion offer a variety of available discounts as well.
- Healthier living.
- Health and wellness is a major part of green building, from the beginning of the construction process to years after move-in. Contaminant control is key, and low-toxicity materials are prioritized. Carbon monoxide detectors are required to be installed throughout the home, and mandatory radon testing is performed. Choosing a green home will provide you with peace of mind, helping you breathe easy (literally) in the knowledge that your family’s home is healthy.
- Value-oriented lifestyle.
- Perhaps the most common reason for choosing a green home is the harmony between your home, your values, and the natural world. If living sustainably is a priority for you, buying a green home is a massive step toward diminishing your carbon footprint. These homes also aid in other eco-friendly choices; for instance, developers can earn certification points for building green homes close to business districts with high Walk Scores, within a half mile of bus access, or near bike paths.
Are green building communities popular in Asheville?
Asheville, NC, is highly popular with nature lovers and environmental advocates alike, and this has led to an increase in communities of Green Built Homes throughout the area. If you’re looking for a neighborhood of like-minded people who value sustainability, check out our list of some of the best green communities around Asheville below.
5 of the Best Green Building & Sustainable Communities in Asheville
Olivette
Olivette Riverside Community and Farm is located next to the French Broad River in Woodfin, NC, about 10 minutes from downtown Asheville. This 411-acre community was developed in 2016 and has many desirable amenities. It’s also known as an “agrihood,” meaning it has a working vegetable, fruit, and flower farm. You can either buy a high-end finished home or a lot to build on.
- Distance to Asheville: 6.7 miles
- Special Amenities & Green Build Features: riverfront park, CSA, hiking trails, farmer’s market, dog park + much more
- School District: Buncombe
Sovereign Oaks
Located in East Asheville, Sovereign Oaks is a gated community of luxurious family homes and lots for sale. Green building is encouraged throughout, and there are a variety of property types available (including some creekside homes and others on higher elevations that have breathtaking views of the mountains). Sovereign Oaks is adjacent to Warren Wilson College, so community residents have access to the college’s trails.
- Distance to Downtown Asheville: 7 miles
- Special Amenities & Green Build Features: apiary, greenhouse, community garden
- School District: Buncombe
Craggy Park
Craggy Park is a sustainable community in West Asheville. Located within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops, this neighborhood offers a natural haven that’s close to lots of fun things to do. Developers maintained many of the land’s original elements, so this truly does feel like a park you can live in. All residences are Green Built Homes and ENERGY STAR certified, and there are five home types to choose from.
- Distance to Downtown Asheville: 2.7 miles
- Special Amenities & Green Build Features: organic gardens, fire pit, tree house, picnic area, trails
- School District: Asheville City
New Salem Heights
Located in Swannanoa, NC, less than ten minutes from downtown Asheville, New Salem Heights is a community of green homes you won’t want to miss. These modern homes were built to fulfill owners’ needs for both comfort and efficiency. It’s a short drive to both Asheville and Black Mountain, NC, so you’ll have no trouble finding a great meal or a day of entertainment as a resident of this neighborhood.
- Distance to Downtown Asheville: 9.1 miles
- Special Amenities & Green Build Features: ENERGY STAR appliances, mountain views, easy highway access
- School District: Buncombe
Ventana
A luxury gated community in Woodfin, Ventana offers elegant living with the environment in mind. In order to preserve the natural integrity of the lots for sale in Ventana, new construction is subject to architectural review processes, and green building is recommended. This allows for new residents to join the neighborhood without negatively impacting the environment, keeping the community beautiful for years to come.
- Distance to Downtown Asheville: 7.5 miles
- Special Amenities & Green Build Features: gated entrance, underground utilities, hiking trails, community firepit
- School District: Buncombe
With so many options for green living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, you can easily find a sustainable home that fits both your needs and values. Eco-friendly living isn’t a fad; as these Asheville eco-friendly communities show, it’s a lifestyle that’s here to stay. To learn more about green building and sustainable homes in Asheville, contact the team here at Freestone Properties today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you start your green home-buying or building journey.
