In 2007, Al Gore accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for his initiatives surrounding global warming. Despite one of their own leading the charge surrounding the whole green initiative, many Baby Boomers were less pronounced than younger generations when it came to taking a stance on the issue. But it seems recent attitudes have changed and many Boomers are finding ways to join the green bandwagon in ways such as buying green products to building green houses. This article from the USA Today discusses the changing attitudes of Boomers with respect to the green movement.
The Morning Sentinel reports from Maine that the owner of Highland Green active adult community in Topsham, Maine recently ran an interesting promotion for their green community. At the entrance to their community was a Toyota Prius with a sign in front of it reading, “Buy a â€کgreen’ house, Get a â€کgreen’ car.” Sure, some may say it is just a clever marketing gimmick to sell some homes in a distressed market, but the promotion is reaching people on a deeper level than with typical deals that offer free upgrades or reduced prices. The promotion is allowing people to feel like they can buy a new home and make a lasting difference to the environment all at the same time.
For many Boomers, finding the right home in the best retirement community is no longer limited to the community with the best golf courses, tennis courts or lakes. Many adult buyers are looking for communities with responsible building practices that leave little impact on the environment. Plus, energy concerns, insulation factors and efficient furnaces, water heaters and appliances are all major priorities for older adults as they build new homes.
The process of green building allows Boomers the ability to feel like they are contributing to a deeper cause. Peter Pollak, developer of the Ford Plantation in Savannah, Georgia recently remarked, “Boomers see their home as their legacy… We are seeing a generational purchase of a family heirloom. Our members are people who have a strong family connection and a committed sense of stewardship of the land.”
John Wasileski, the developer of Highland Green in Maine tells the Sentinel that he estimates over 30 of the community’s 140 homeowners drive hybrids. Due to changing attitudes regarding the environment, Wasileski has implemented a number of other changes to the way he builds to allow homeowners the ability to build a green home. Such changes include adding solar powered water heaters, energy efficient lighting, natural gas heating and solar panels for energy.
In the coming years, it is likely that buyers will put more pressure on builders to offer green developments. Still, do not expect trends in the housing industry to transform overnight. While it is clear that buyers want greener homes, the still unresolved question looms as to how much they will be willing to pay since it is estimated the green buildings can cost between 5 and 17 percent more than non-green buildings. With the higher costs associated with green housing, we are likely to get a better glimpse of just how committed buyers are to the green movement in the next couple years.
