Apples to apples, green homes can cost more to build initially, but they can also provide significant long-term savings through reduced energy and water bills. With rising energy costs, new green homeowners are able to recoup their investment in a new green house faster than ever.

But green homes don’t HAVE to cost more than traditional homes. There are many different factors and design elements that can raise and lower the price of any new home, green or not. Additionally, some green building practices, such as using locally sourced materials, can actually reduce costs.