Eco-friendly Trends are Rising.

How green is your home? There is a bigger push than ever for homes and businesses to make the effort to go green. In fact, it is projected that 2016 is going to be a big year for the construction industry as far as environmentally friendly options are concerned. Part of the reason is the rise in popularity of socially and environmentally positive products and services that consumers demand. Overall, 55 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for green products and services from companies committed to making a positive impact.

Something as simple as installing an automated energy management system limits operating costs and has the potential to save $165 per year per household. That’s a total of $19 billion each year. Green roofs, or the planting of vegetation on rooftops, is also growing in popularity. Though different at first glance, this roof limits smog, noise, energy demand, and storm water runoff all while reducing carbon monoxide impact and extending roof life two to three times over. Solar energy is another popular option. Homeowners can still take advantage of the Residential Renewable Energy Tax credit which credits 30 percent of installation expenditures when a system is installed on a home. The panels are connected to the home and the energy grid, and homeowners have the potential to earn credit for excess wattage sent to the energy company.

These systems are just the beginning. Geothermal heating and cooling, water reuse, smart windows, and green insulation are additional options that green construction companies are starting to offer for saving on energy costs and reducing carbon footprints. Learn more from the detailed infographic below.