A directory of green home tours
In this directory, we'll cover everything you want to know about green home tours, including:
All about green home tours
What is a green home?
As the name implies, a green, eco-friendly, or sustainable home is focused on minimizing its impact on the environment. Although green homes are often built from design to completion with eco-friendliness in mind, there are also many things that anyone can do to make their existing home a little greener. In fact, organizations all over the country host home tours to showcase what their neighbors are doing to be greener and inspire others to follow suit.
Participating in green home tours
Participating in a green homes tour offers a unique opportunity to see sustainable practices in action and gain inspiration for your own sustainable living journey. During green home tours, you'll get behind-the-scenes looks at some of the most innovative and eco-friendly homes in a particular area.
One of the best parts about a green home tour is the chance to interact with homeowners, architects, and builders who have embraced sustainable living and learn from their experiences. By participating in a green homes tour, you'll gain valuable knowledge and connect with a community of individuals passionate about sustainable living. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and maybe even form lasting connections with like-minded individuals who are committed to creating a greener future.
The green homes tour experience is a way to make sustainable living feel more possible. Transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle can seem like a daunting task, but learning from others who have blazed a trail is a great strategy to get started.
Features you may see in green home tours
Sustainable Home Design and Construction
Sustainable home design and construction are at the forefront of the green homes movement. Architects and builders are constantly pushing the boundaries to create homes that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. From passive solar design to the use of recycled materials, these homes are a testament to the possibilities of sustainable living.
Additionally, sustainable homes often incorporate recycled or repurposed materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled glass, to minimize waste and reduce the demand for new resources. The design choices in green homes are a perfect blend of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability
Using Renewable Energy Sources in Sustainable Homes
Utilizing renewable energy is another way homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner energy future.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a renewable and clean source of energy. In addition to solar power, some green homes also incorporate other renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines or geothermal systems, depending on the location and available resources.
With advancements in technology and decreasing costs, renewable energy is becoming increasingly accessible and viable for homeowners interested in sustainable living.
Energy-Efficient Features in Green Homes
One of the cornerstones of sustainable living is energy efficiency. Many green homes are equipped with a range of energy-efficient features that help homeowners reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon footprint.
In addition to solar panels, green homes often incorporate other energy-saving technologies, such as smart thermostats, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances. These features not only reduce energy consumption but also offer long-term cost savings for homeowners. By embracing energy efficiency, green homes are paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way of living.
Water Conservation in Sustainable Homes
Green homes are often designed to minimize water wastage and maximize water efficiency through innovative techniques and technologies.
Rainwater harvesting systems are a popular feature in green homes. These systems collect rainwater from rooftops and store it for later use, such as watering gardens or flushing toilets. By utilizing rainwater, homeowners can reduce their reliance on municipal water supplies and conserve this valuable resource.
Green homes also incorporate water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, which significantly reduce water consumption without compromising functionality. Additionally, landscaping choices play a crucial role in water conservation. Native plants that are adapted to the local climate require less water, reducing the need for irrigation. By adopting these water-conserving practices, green homes are leading the way towards a more sustainable approach to water usage.
Indoor Air Quality in Green Homes
Indoor air quality is often overlooked but plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. Green homes prioritize clean and healthy indoor air by employing various strategies to minimize air pollutants and maximize ventilation.
The materials used in green homes are carefully selected to minimize off-gassing of harmful chemicals. Low-VOC paints, formaldehyde-free furniture, and natural flooring options are just a few examples of sustainable choices that contribute to better indoor air quality.
Furthermore, green homes are designed to maximize natural ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate and dilute indoor pollutants. By incorporating features like operable windows, natural ventilation can be enhanced, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems and improving the overall comfort of the home.
Green Home Tours 2023
Upcoming green home tours
Marin, CA
Marin Green Home Tour October 24, 2024, 6-8 PM
Information
“What are Marin residents doing to combat climate change, improve air quality, generate clean energy, save water, and move toward a safer, healthier, greener, and more resilient future? This free, virtual tour features an all-new lineup of Marin County homes, with solutions for homeowners and renters. The tour also includes up-to-date information on funding opportunities and helpful resources to get started. “
Past green home tours
Culver City, CA
Net Zero Energy Townhome Tour
February 10, 2024, 1-3 PM
Information
“Come join USGBC-LA's Green Homes Committee for a tour of an AWARD-WINNING Green Home! Nestled in Culver City, CA, this home won the 2022 AIA-LA Climate Positive Residential Design Award…
This all-electric townhome includes the latest energy-efficient heat pump HVAC+HW, and induction cooktop. On top of that, features also include: water-efficient fixtures, drip irrigation edible landscaping, and usable open space to help you enjoy nature!”
Information
“See what Marin residents are doing to combat climate change, improve air quality, generate clean energy, save water, and move toward a safer, healthier, greener, and more resilient future. The tour features new homes, remodels, retrofits, and low-cost, low-tech, DIY solutions for homeowners and renters. The tour includes short presentations by experts, links to relevant businesses, and useful resources and rebates. “
San Diego, CA
Green Homes Tour Series
A Program of the San Diego Green Building Council
Information
“Each year, the San Diego Green Homes Tour brings together hundreds of members of the local community to celebrate best practices in green building and design while showcasing the innovative work of some of the industry’s top professionals.”
Greater Boulder Area, CO
Colorado Green Building Guild’s annual Green Home Tour
September 9, 2023
Information
“We’re proud to welcome back Colorado Green Building Guild’s annual Green Home Tour…We’ve expanded our boundary for projects we’re accepting beyond Boulder to a larger territory, from Golden to Niwot and from Nederland to Broomfield. While the map has grown, we’ll have a gathering spot to serve as an end point as well as a place for sponsor tables and educational events.“
Information
“We are assembling an outstanding group of Green Tour homes and preparing another expanded and excellent Green Homes Expo. We are also planning a new Speaker Series, a Tiny Green Home, E-Bikes, Growing Dome, and an EV Roundup to add lots of reasons to join us!”
Concord, MA
Concord Green Home Tours
March 9 and 23, 2024, 2-4 PM
Information
“Find out what more and more Concord residents are doing to combat climate change, improve air quality, generate clean energy, and move toward a safer, healthier, greener, and more resilient future. This free home tour features several electrified Concord homes, by your neighbors who have done it. Find out how they made the switch and how the experience has been.“
Information
“The…High Performance Home Tour is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the benefits of a healthy home. The homes on the tour have been green-certified through one of our approved programs and will showcase features that will save homeowners money in the long run and provide a healthy environment for families.”
Information
“Learn how neighbors are creating healthier and more energy-efficient homes and environments with green building practices, such as solar panels with energy storage, rain gardens, superior insulation, and more.
Hosted by the Princeton Environmental Commission (PEC) and Sustainable Princeton (SP)”
Information
“This year we will focus on beautiful properties that are also environmentally friendly. In an urban environment like Phoenixville our yards are sometimes the only places for insects, birds, and other wildlife to find food, water, and shelter. Come see what it’s all about, appreciate the beauty and learn from these amazing gardeners!”
Location & Contact
- Check in at: Phoenixville Senior Center at ‘153 Church Street’ on the day of the tour to receive your tour program and map. Distribution will begin at 9:30am. Gardens open at 10am.
- phoenixvillesummergardentour@gmail.com
- Website
Information
“The Green Home and Garden Tour showcases green homes, sustainable gardening, and green apartments, condos, and townhomes in Arlington. Features include energy and water-saving technologies, electric vehicles, rain barrels, native plants, solar energy and more. Get ideas and inspiration!?
Information
“The 20th annual Green Community Tour will showcase green homes, green renovations, and watershed-friendly gardens in Arlington. Features include energy efficient technologies, solar energy, water-saving technologies, rain gardens, native plants, wildlife habitat and more.”
Bellingham, WA
Green Home Tours and Talks
Saturday, June 3, 2023
10am – 4 pm
Information
“Join us for another great year of Green Home Tours & Talks! Learn how you can not only make your home more beautiful and efficient but align your values for our Earth. Explore homes (in person!), attend workshops (in person!), and view our directory of local green building businesses.”
Location & Contact
- Multiple locations including: Sustainable Connections Office, 1701 Ellis St Suite 221, Bellingham, WA 98225
- 360.647.7093
- info@sustainbleconnections.org
- Website
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