Hansen Hometech is proud to be a
Certified Green Remodelor of
the
MN GreenStar
Project.
MN GreenStar - Certified Green Homes & Remodeling is
the product of countless hours contributed by our region's
finest homebuilders and remodelors and environmental and
building science experts. The initiative is rooted in a
partnership of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities
(BATC), the Green Institute, and the National Association
of the Remodeling Industry - Minnesota (NARI-MN)
Minnesota GreenStar comprises a regionally appropriate
green building standard that embraces our unique climate
concerns, building codes and material, energy, and natural
resources. Fundamental to the program is an
objective, third-party verification system that assures
consumers that the new home or remodeling project performs
as promised. The standard will be supported by a
mandatory education program for builders & remodelors,
as well as general education and promotion to consumers.
+ What is Green Building?
Green building is a systems process: systems are a sum of the parts and parts are a sum of the products. The system defines whether a home is green. An individual product does not define the home.
Products should not be called Green. Individual products are defined by their green attributes or characteristics.
According to MN GreenStar, our local authority, Green building is the application of five (5) key concepts of Green to the eight (8) components of the traditional building process in order to improve the impact of building on individuals, their families, the community, and the environment.
The five keys are all EQUALLY important and they are:
- Energy Efficiency
- Resource Efficiency
- Indoor Environmental Quality such as air quality, thermal comfort, natural views and daylight
- Water Conservation
- Site & Community Impact
The MN GreenStar website is an excellent resource for more information. Click on the MN GreenStar logo at the right to go directly to their site.
+ What are the Benefits of Building Green
Minnesota GreenStar embraces Minnesota’s unique natural environment and targets improving the way Minnesotans live on the land by creating homes that:
Create healthier indoor environment
Reduce water consumption
Improve energy and resource efficiency
Increase durability and the value of the home
Preserve natural resources
It will cost generally cost more upfront to build Green, but there is also a financial benefit - It helps reduce long-term operating costs, and may help you qualify for energy efficient mortgages and improve resale opportunities through the value of a certificate.
+ 2009 Tax Credits - What are They?
As part of the economic stimulus package, federal tax credits for consumers apply when using energy efficient materails.
The credit amounts to 30% of the cost, up to a lifetime max of $1,500 in 2009 & 2010 for existing homes only. Consult your tax professional for details on your specific situation.
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