10 Green Flags for Eco-Friendly House Hunters

Amidst rising temperatures and an increase in severe weather events, homeowners are turning to sustainability in every facet of life, including house-hunting. 

For those eager to make a green move, here are some key indicators or “green flags” to look for when searching for an eco-friendly home.

Why You Should Prioritize Sustainability When House Hunting

Eco-friendly homes are designed to be efficient, helping you save on utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes and businesses are responsible for 40% of power consumption countrywide, devastatingly impacting the planet. By opting for a sustainable home, you can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial to combat climate change. 

Environmentally conscious structures often incorporate healthier building materials and technologies that improve indoor air quality and personal health. These houses tend to use non-toxic, low-VOC paints and finishes and have better ventilation systems that reduce allergens and pollutants. This leads to a healthier living environment, which is particularly important for families with small children or those with respiratory issues.

Investing in an eco-friendly home can:

• Significantly reduce energy bills.
• Lower your environmental footprint.
• Reduce your exposure to toxins.
• Result in a higher resale value if you decide to sell.
• Help you conserve water and materials.

Look for these green flags when house hunting. 

1. It’s Close to Public Transport 

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to ditch the car in favor of public transport. Choose a home close to buses, train stations and bike-sharing programs to reduce your reliance on personal vehicles.

Public transport is a fantastic electricity-efficient alternative. Plus, it’s often more economical, saving you money on fuel, maintenance and parking fees. Easy access to public transport encourages a more active lifestyle, as walking or biking to your destination becomes a regular part of your routine.

2. There’s Nearby Green Spaces

Proximity to parks, gardens and natural reserves promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging outdoor activities and meeting neighbors. Green spaces are crucial for improving air quality and supporting local biodiversity, creating a more balanced and resilient ecosystem.

They also offer natural cooling effects, mitigating urban heat islands and reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. If you live in an area with convenient access to outdoor spaces, you’ll likely spend more time outside.

3. It Boasts Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures is a major green flag in eco-friendly house hunting, as they can help you save a significant amount of water. Low-flow faucets, shower heads and toilets are designed to use less water without compromising performance, which can lead to substantial savings on bills and reduce consumption. For instance, the average American family could save roughly 2,700 gallons of water a year by installing WaterSense shower heads.

4. The Garden is Filled With Native Plants

Invasive plants are known to use a significant amount of water, threatening biodiversity and costing hundreds of dollars. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they don’t need as much water or maintenance compared to alternative species.

By reducing the need for irrigation, native, drought-resistant gardens conserve water — an increasingly critical resource while many regions face water scarcity. These plants also support local biodiversity, providing habitat and food for native wildlife such as birds and insects. Native gardens usually require fewer pesticides and fertilizers, which reduces chemical runoff and promotes healthier ecosystems.

5. There’s LED Light Fixtures 

LED light fixtures can result in major energy and cost savings. Unlike regular incandescent bulbs, LEDs use up to 75% less power and last about 25 times longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and the waste that comes with it.

This efficiency translates directly into lower electricity bills and a small carbon footprint, making LED fixtures a smart choice for minimizing household energy consumption. LED bulbs also produce less heat than conventional bulbs, helping you keep your home cool and decreasing the need for air conditioning.

6. The Garage is Well-Insulated

A well-insulated garage is a valuable green flag for eco-conscious home buyers, as it drastically impacts energy efficiency and comfort. According to one study, an insulated garage door can keep the interior temperature at approximately 42˚ Fahrenheit on a 20˚ F winter day, whereas a non-insulated door allows the temperature to drop to about 30˚ F. 

This insulation reduces heat loss from the main living areas, lowering heating costs and reducing strain on the HVAC system. Additionally, an insulated garage can prevent issues like frozen pipes and protect stored items from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Pay attention to the windows, too. Proper insulation and double or triple-glazed windows keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so you won’t need to rely on an air conditioner to make your home bearable.

7. It Has Integrated Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology can make your home more efficient and environmentally friendly. Look for the following:

• Programmable thermostats: These devices allow you to set and adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule, reducing electricity consumption.
• Smart lighting: Automated lighting systems can turn lights on and off based on occupancy and time of day. Many of these systems also allow you to control your lighting remotely.
• Energy monitoring systems: These systems provide live data on your energy usage, helping you identify where to reduce consumption.
  

8. It Prioritizes Sustainable Materials

Sustainable materials are created responsibly, often with minimal environmental impact and are designed to be durable and recyclable. By prioritizing a home that uses these materials, you support practices that reduce resource depletion and waste, lower carbon emissions, and promote healthier living environments. They can also boost the home’s efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Look for a home constructed using these materials:

• Bamboo
• Reclaimed wood
• Recycled steel
• Cork
• Low-VOC paints
• Rammed earth
• Recycled glass

9. There’s Adequate Ventilation Systems

Adequate ventilation is a crucial green flag when evaluating a home for eco-friendliness, as it’s vital for regulating indoor air quality. Proper ventilation ensures stale air, moisture and indoor pollutants are effectively expelled, reducing the risk of mold growth, respiratory issues and unpleasant odors.

Ventilation regulates indoor temperatures by circulating fresh air, reducing the need for extra heating and cooling. Homes with well-designed ventilation systems such as energy recovery ventilators or heat recovery ventilators boost power efficiency by recovering heat from outgoing air and using it to precondition incoming air. This balance promotes a healthier, more comfortable environment while supporting environmentally friendly living practices.

10. It Uses Renewable Energy Sources

Spotting renewable energy sources is a surefire way to guarantee the home prioritizes sustainability. Solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal heating use abundant and sustainable natural resources.

Solar panels generate energy from the sunlight, potentially greatly reducing or even eliminating utility bills. While purchasing a home with solar panels may be significantly more expensive, you can save approximately $1,600 a year and they last for about 25 years.

Make a Green Move

Eco-conscious house hunting involves more than just finding a home — it’s about prioritizing a sustainable lifestyle. By looking for these green flags, you can ensure your new space is great for you, your wallet and the planet.