People often ask me, “What does it cost to build green?” My usual answer is that it depends on why you’re doing it. If you really want to lighten your load on the planet, and an energy-efficient home is just one of the changes you’re willing to make to truly reduce your impact, then it will likely cost the same or less than a “conventional” home. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a way to maintain a “business as usual” affluent western lifestyle, but with smaller energy bills and a lighter conscience, then it’s likely going to cost substantially more than a regular home. [Read more…]