The idea of “going green”As more people are concerned about the environment, green construction is becoming increasingly popular. The nation’s builders are making efforts to green their construction, incorporating energy-efficient products into their projects.

Consumers may hesitate to “go green”They fear losing their luxury homes but green building products offer convenience. EcoManor was the first company to get certified. “green mansion”The U.S. Green Building Council has created a home measuring 5,000 square feet in Atlanta, GA that shows just that.

The residence is the first Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-certified house in the Southeast. The organization promotes energy efficiency through design, material selection, water conservation, reuse, and energy efficiency.

The EcoManor uses green building products such as those listed below.

* Low volatile organic compound or organic paints, stains, and sealants emit little or no off-gassing of chemicals and provide a healthier indoor environment.

* Foam and cellulose insulation, which are made from recycled wood fiber, primarily newspaper, make the home extremely energy-efficient and quiet.

* Soy-based insulation and pressed hay-straw cabinets and wheat-straw doors are formaldehyde-free and made from natural materials.

* Properly sized heating and air conditioning systems using HEPA filters along with controlled ventilation, help ensure that any pollutants in the house are filtered or exhausted to the outside.

* Solar tubes from Velux Solar Tubing, and skylights provide natural lighting throughout, helping to save energy.

* Solar Panels provided by OneWorld Sustainable Energy Corporation convert the sun’s rays into electric energy.

* Dimmable compact florescent lights are 66 percent more energy-efficient than common incandescent bulbs, radiate less heat and provide the highest quality of light.

* Rainwater is channeled into cisterns that supply water for the home’s toilets.

* Tankless water heaters, such as Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters, provide never-ending, continuous, hot water while helping consumers reduce energy and heat water by up to 50 percent over that of the traditional tank storage heaters.

Expect energy costs to be 80 to 90 percent lower than the average Atlanta home of similar size.

Visit the website to learn more about this residence. www.ecomanor.com.