Chicago Green Condos

Have you ever wondered what it means to be green? It can be used to describe something organic or it can be used when describing something environmentally friendly. Not only in everyday living, but In today’s real estate market, green is becoming more and more popular. Homeowners are making changes for the good of the environment. Chicago Green Condos are what is hip and what is hot. Condo buyers are seeking environmentally friendly places to call home.

From using materials that are made from recycled products like countertops and tile, to selecting faucets and fixtures that save water, to heating, cooling and appliances that saves energy, finding a Chicago Green Condo may not be as difficult as it sounds. Even if you cannot find the ideal Chicago green condo it is easy to take something ordinary and make it green. And even the smallest of changes can benefit the environment and save money. This past weekend marked the second year of Earth Hour where countries across the globe were asked to turn off their lights for one hour. This year Commonwealth Edison utility announced after Earth Hour 2009, that the demand for electricity fell by 1 percent in Chicago and northern Illinois, reducing about 139,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Here are a few tips to make your Chicago condo a Chicago Green Condo:

First, change the appliances to Energy-Star appliances. In 1992, in an attempt to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the United States Environmental Protection Agency created Energy Star. Changing to Energy Star refrigerator can reduce energy consumption by as much as 20% while an Energy Star dishwasher can save as much as 41%.
And a simple change of your light bulbs to fluorescent lighting can save reduce energy consumption by 75 % and the bulbs will last up to ten times longer than normal incandescent lights.

Home electronics are also rated for energy efficiency.

From changing the appliances to Energy-Star appliances, changing the water faucets and fixtures to water saving models to selecting light colors for your surroundings that reflect the light and not absorb the light, changing bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, adding insulation, replacing windows and even the roof are all ways that can make Chicago Green Condos a great place to call home. Not only would you be saving energy, but the savings of money can really add up annually.

Consult a Realtor at OwnACondo.com to begin your search for a green condo.