Consumers Want Greener Homes, But More Importantly Alternative Energy Sources

The NAHB Research Center, on behalf of the Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity International, conducted a survey that found 74 percent of consumers find less than one fourth of their homes to be green, being commonly defined as significantly reducing energy and/or water consumption.

The results of the survey showed that consumers believed their homes could be more energy efficient. The Energy Star qualification, certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, was considered very important to 78 percent of consumers and 75 percent of builders. The Energy Star program reported Americans saved $18 billion on lowered utility bills in 2010.

However, consumers do not feel the same way about their cars. A May Rasmussen Reports survey found that 75 percent of Americans think finding alternative sources of energy will be more beneficial to the environment than the development of more fuel-efficient cars.

While 55 percent of Americans support a law requiring higher fuel efficiency regulations in cars, 62 percent still believe that finding new energy sources is more important than reducing American energy consumption.  

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