Builders skeptical about green home trends in Birmingham

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As two national building organizations work to draft universal standards on building sustainable homes, some in the industry are skeptical about how fast the movement will take hold in the Birmingham area.

Both the National Association of Home Builders and the U.S. Green Building Council are currently drafting uniform standards to certify green, or environmentally friendly, homes.

But with little local demand and uninformed consumers, the green residential wave may not hit Birmingham for another couple of years, while the number of commercial buildings certified green slowly tick up, said those in the industry.

Home builder Glenn Siddle, president of New Castle Construction Co. and vice president of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, said he hasn't had many people inquiring about building environmentally sound homes, but he is optimistic.

Siddle said the green residential movement will hit big in the West before it makes its way to the East.

He said cost is probably one of the major inhibitors for those looking to build green homes. "It adds several thousand dollars to the cost just for the inspection for it to be certified."

While the home buyer incurs the majority of the cost to build green, builders will need to be certified to the standards, which is included in both the NAHB and Green Building Council standards drafts.

Chris Miller, who recently started a consulting firm, Piedmont Green Building Solutions, also believes the movement will be here sooner rather than later.

Miller said he's had inquiries from developers looking for contractors that build green homes. He said tax credits are already available through a state program. The Home Builders Association of Alabama has an Energy Star program for home buyers and those looking to remodel.

"I think it's up to people wanting those houses built and it's up to the contractor to be aware of the different types," Miller said. "More people are becoming environmentally aware, and they are seeing this as doing their part."

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