THE FUTURE OF GREEN
LAS VEGAS (Real Estate Center) – While “green” may have become little more than a buzzword to some skeptical consumers, some building industry insiders say the vast majority of consumers have embraced the long-term benefits and understand that going green is “the right thing to do.”
At the International Builders Show today, representatives for several home appliance manufacturers were on hand to talk about the future of green as well as their efforts to create products that are more energy efficient.
So what does the future hold?
For Marvin Windows and Doors, it’s all about daylight. Company spokesman Brett Boyum said they are working on products that bring more sun — and the sun’s natural health benefits — into the home.
Energy efficiency gets all the press and attention within political circles, but what about finding more efficient ways to use the world’s water supply?
“In the very near future, water will be a bigger issue than energy is today,” said Omer “Butch” Gaudette.
Guadette, director of trade relations for Whirlpool Corporation, said 97 percent of the world’s water supply is salienated. Two percent of the remaining drinkable water is tied up in polar ice caps, leaving 1 percent for immediate consumption.
To help ensure that 1 percent is used as efficiently as possible, companies such as Whirlpool and Kohler are stepping up their efforts to create more efficient appliances. Among those efforts are waterless urinals and dual-flush toilets.
Does it cost more to be green? Gaudette says no. While some added cost goes into developing energy efficient products, he said consumers will see value in the long run.
