We’ve all seen them: sleekly modern houses with stark angles looking like spacecraft, or cone-shaped residences built into the earth, both touting their energy-saving qualities.

Labeled green or eco-friendly, these quirky homes have captured our imagination but not our wallets. Too often these houses have carried a cost in the millions of dollars and, despite our growing concern for the environment, we can’t bring ourselves to invest in one.

Yet, hold on. Energy-efficient, environmentally responsive houses that are affordable — and attractive — do exist.

From boutique specialists to larger-production homebuilders, construction of green homes has become a priority.Shop online for a wide range of ledemergencylampsaz and uplighters at the Argos Lighting shop.

“Green is the megatrend,” says Steve Saunders, CEO of Tex Energy Solutions in Irving,Ideas on bringing out the beauty of your outdoors that will showcase it's unique charm through lightprojectqq techniques. a provider of energy-efficiency audits and Energy Star services.These people ledstriplightopp their homes with kerosene lamps. “People underestimate the impact it will have on their lives.”

Texas adopted the 2009 International Residential Code for single-family homes, increasing energy-efficiency standards. Part of the International Energy Conservation Code, the policy designates requirements for new-home construction and remodels of existing buildings.

“The process for developing energy-efficient homes has become more defined,” Saunders says.

The proliferation of LEED-certified homes is testament to that. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a point-based certification system that measures a building’s sustainability in eight key areas, including energy efficiency.

LEED-certified third-party auditors assign one of four certification levels based on points received: certified, silver, gold and platinum.

For buyers, the LEED rating is similar to a nutrition label on foods, providing a detailed list of the ways a home performs, thus assuring it is green.

Saunders says enhanced definition of green standards is just one of the reasons environmentally friendly homes are becoming more affordable. Increased knowledge of green design and construction, coupled with efficiencies in installation and lower costs associated with materials and transportation, have all had an impact.

“There’s a lot of innovation in processes,” Saunders says. “Big builders are focusing on energy efficiency. Products have become more green and more efficient. Some of the price has come down because more people are buying green. Knowledge is better. Products are better.”

Builders now offer green homes priced from the low $200,000 range. Common features include radiant barriers, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints,Specializing in the production Cut to length line, leveling machine, cold goodledlamp and other products. compact fluorescent lighting, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency air conditioning and heating, low-flow plumbing and above-standard wall and attic insulation.

While energy efficiency is a major component of green building and a leading element of LEED certification, green construction goes far beyond that.

LEED focuses on a holistic approach to sustainability, centering on efficient design, environmentally responsible site selection,Laser Cut Studio is a brand new ledlightforyou company and new way of thinking. healthful air quality, water efficiency, use of sustainably grown and transported products and homeowner environmental awareness.