Green building is on the rise, and for good reason. High performance homes have increased from 18.5 to 23 percent in the Portland Metro area alone, according to Earth Advantage. In both Seattle and Portland, 1 of every 4 new homes is certified. The time has come for energy efficiency, and with it comes green homes.

Many people associate green, energy-efficient homes with higher costs, but that’s changing. With the technologies and new business models, green homes are within reach for all homeowners. Energy upgrades are also available through new programs that include low-cost audits. Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives for qualifying appliances, window replacements, duct sealing, and more. For a list of complete rebates and tax credits, visit Energy Trust of Oregon

Smart appliances are becoming a new trend as well. Through the use of smart meters, homeowners will get feedback on their energy use, allowing them to conserve during peak hours. They can also see in real time how much energy each appliance consumes. Manufacturers have introduced “grid-aware” appliances that have energy management capabilities and times. This will enable homeowners to take control over their energy use. The website Earth Aid, also lets you track home energy use and earn rewards for energy savings from local vendors.

Green building will continue to accelerate, as more countries are creating their own green building incentives. All continents, and more than 70 countries showed green building growth last year. More people are going green each year, and there’s no reason this trend will stop. To learn more about green building and the current trends, visit Top Green Building Trends.