Comments on: Could Research Show That People Are Not Interested In Green Homes?

By: David

David — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:56:15 +0000

I suppose “uneducated” is right, Ron…that seems to be the one that makes the most sense, as who wouldn’t want a more efficient/less expensive utility bill home?

Thanks for the input…

By: Ron@TheWisdomJournal

Ron@TheWisdomJournal — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:22:30 +0000

That might be the obvious choice, but I have a hard time thinking that oil and power companies are really that concerned. Their profits are at record levels even with the current green initiatives so who else could benefit? There are multiple layers of possibilities that would probably surprise both of us.

We also need to look at how the questions were worded, who was asking them, and to whom were they asked.

Again, people respond to incentives. They also respond to incentives today more positively than incentives in the future (hence, our deplorable US savings rate). Asking someone a question like, “Would you rather have a high spec bathroom today or put solar panels on your roof?” is a poor choice of words.

Asking, “Would you be willing to find a way to save $5,000 on your bathroom if it meant being able to reduce your energy costs by $15,000 over 8 years?” might be a better question.

The problem is probably in the question and that is evidence of either an uneducated or a biased surveyor. My money is on uneducated…

By: david

david — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:34:43 +0000

Thanks for the comment Ron, appreciate it. So what could a “survey” like this really mean? Who would benefit from results like these? I can think of only one – oil and power companies?

By: Ron@TheWisdomJournal

Ron@TheWisdomJournal — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:11:25 +0000

I work in the building materials industry. I can tell you, environmentally friendly, energy saving, green products are all the rage right now and they don’t show any signs of letting up. Builders love them because they usually mark up their expenses by a certain percentage, so more expensive products don’t bother them. Also, these products help set a builder apart from the competition. Homeowners love the products because they save money in the long run. Dealers (me) love the products because they usually are less “commoditized” and the pricing is stable.

There are shingles that look almost like regular shingles, but they all link together with a wire. They’re solar! My next home will definitely have these!

There is a fabric that was developed because of the space program that you can put in your attic, fastening it to the underside of your rafters. It lowers heat in the attic by 30 to 50 degrees. It saves tons on AC costs.

Shaw Industries, the flooring company, is manufacturing and aggressively marketing their green initiatives with laminate flooring. Most of it is made using recycled products.

If you were to look at the multitude of trade journals I receive each month, you’d find at least one article in each on green products.

If the environmental movement would begin to focus more on business relationships and strategic partnerships than government relationships, I think they would begin to achieve their goals much more quickly. People respond to economic incentives. Like I told my boss (who obviously is DEAF), “What gets rewarded, gets done!”

(sorry for the long comment)