A True "Green" Focus Makes North Carolina the Best Place to Relocate Or Retire

By Bob Bencivenga

"Reuse and Recycle" has become a popular phrase showing our growing concern and commitment as a nation to finding the best ways to be stewards of the environment and North Carolina is notably one place that embraces Green trends and Green building practices.
The general principals of green building as set forth by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) division consist of four critical areas:

1. energy efficiency
2. water efficiency
3. use of recycled or environmentally sustainable building materials
4. healthy indoor environmental quality

North Carolina makes sure all of these areas are at work in building projects across the state.
The Green building projects in North Carolina impressively include everything from projects such as:

1. Eco-dorm at Warren Wilson College just outside Asheville, NC
2. Renovating an abandoned building which now holds Brown and Jones Architects in Raleigh, NC and;
3. Rammed earth walls and radiant heating system of the Philips residence in Pittsboro, NC.

North Carolina takes Green building practices seriously and doesn't limit it's commitment to large businesses, schools and private residences. In fact, in 1998, North Carolina State committed itself to be a leader in environmental stewardship. This commitment saved taxpayers money through Green practices. In addition, North Carolina "Greened" all state government buildings.
We at Places of Value have covered the many ways North Carolina has embraced green trends and environmental stewardship, especially Green building practices.
For those interested in "Going Green", follow the lead of North Carolina and while finding that Best Place to relocate or retire in North Carolina here are ten steps to a Green home and Green lifestyle right now.

1. Recycle and reuse: Get involved with your local recycling program and make it a priority to buy products made from recycled materials.
2. Turn it off: Turn off lights or appliances that don't need to be on.
3. Get out of the car: Spend less time driving and more time walking, running or riding a bike. Look for a community that helps you get around without a car.
4. Watch what you eat: Try eating less meat and more local fruits and vegetables; local farmers will thank you, fewer energy resources are consumed and it's healthier.
5. Use less water, especially hot water: Switch to low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads and remember you use a lot of energy to heat that hot water.
6. Green building/renovation: Take a look what you can do to improve the structural energy efficiency of your home, especially state programs to encourage energy efficient building/renovations.
7. Change your lights: Compact fluorescent bulbs save energy and money.
8. Plant something: A tree or garden, anything green.
9. Update your appliances: Look for more energy efficient models.
10. Borrow: Instead of running out to buy, think about borrowing first.

Let's not forget that when finding your Best Place to relocate or retire to in North Carolina you can clearly save money by going Green.
Energy efficient homes lower your bills, help your resale value and when combined with Green building practices help the environment as a whole.
For more information on Green homes and Green lifestyles in North Carolina, visit Places of Value.com. I've spent over 30 years finding the best real estate locations for major corporations. These companies have made hundreds of millions of dollars based on the locations I've selected. I'm a professional real estate site locator and location analyst. During the last 5 years, I've been researching the growth of towns in North and South Carolina, for the relocation of my family. I've studied hundreds of towns to find those areas which are still affordable, have a high quality lifestyle, and the potential for future growth. My purpose is to share what I've found with you and help you find your Dream Place in the Carolinas.
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