LEED Philly

CBS 3: Green Scene: Brand-New Green Homes

With the bad economy, sales of brand-new homes have slowed. So some developers hope their green homes will stand out.

When Bancroft Green Homes got started, prefab floors were stacked tight like Legos.

Now, the South Philly homes are finished. On the roof deck, tiles are recycled rubber, and roof plants cool the home naturally.

Downstairs, geothermal pipes go underground to use the earth to help warm water.

"Green should save you money, not cost you money," said agent Jeff Block.

With three out of five units left to sell, Block says green is a good buy.

"We think that green homes are going to sustain, going to increase in value," said Block.

Not far away in Northern Liberties, Thin Flats is the first home in Pennsylvania to get not just LEED certification, but LEED platinum certification, the highest designation.

LEED is "the internationally most recognized and respected certification of how energy efficient and environmentally friendly a building is," said Thin Flats developer Johnny McDonald.

In some units of Thin Flats, skylights let sunshine through the ceiling and through the glass floors. The deck grows plants, and solar panels heat water for cheap.

At Thin Flats, three of eight units remain starting at $549,000. Bancroft Green starts at $570,000.

You might think a green home costs more, but both developers say the market is pricing green projects the same as standard new homes.

"These houses are between fifty to seventy percent less expensive to operate," said McDonald.

They hope these homes are a long-term bargain for buyers.