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New Mexico Eco-Homes
 What is an Eco-Home? We could say Green Built, Green Building, Sustainable Design, or Healthy Homes� and generally we would be talking about the same thing. But I consider an Eco-Home as a house that has made some form of the health of its occupants, energy efficiency, and sustainability a priority in its design, construction, and performance.
Obviously concern for environmental issues, the costs of utilities, and the contaminants and pollution in our environment have pushed interest for these types of homes to the forefront. But, this has not been all of a sudden, there has been many hardworking and dedicated people working on this for a long time. My interest in Eco-Homes and Green Building first came about when my husband and I built our home years ago, we were frustrated to find that the cost of green building materials and the availability of them made the green build option difficult. We also found that the expertise within the trades was very limited when it came to this type of construction. Thankfully, things have changed greatly since we built.
 In more recent years I was introduced to a manufacturer of an eco-friendly building system called Tech Block®, and the owner became my client. So�while working with them my interest in Green Building grew, and with my own reading and study, I learned about the green building movement and wanted to do all I could to promote Green Built Homes. At about this same time (serendipitously), I learned of a new organization called EcoBroker. EcoBroker is a training and educational organization designed to teach Realtors� to take advantage of and encourage energy efficiency and sustainable design. I studied the coursework, took the exams, and earned the EcoBroker Certified� designation.
 The training and support the EcoBroker organization provides is wonderful and has helped me immensely in serving my clients. Another great organization that I am involved with is Build Green New Mexico. Build Green NM is part of the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico, and promotes green building in New Mexico. BGNM is also responsible to administer the guidelines and help certify homes. BGNM uses the National Association of Home Builders� Model Green Home Building Guidelines modified for the New Mexico climate. The Guidelines are a green building resource and the criteria for homes to be certified as green.
Below is additional information and resources on Green Building and Eco-Homes.
Here is a quick rundown of things that are considered when designing and building a �Green� house.
- Lot Preparation and Design. The guidelines can be used to certify an individual home or an entire subdivision. Through planning and design, damage to natural features can be minimized and the home�s long-term performance enhanced.
- Resource Efficiency. Design, material selection, and advanced framing techniques can ensure that materials are optimized and durable.
- Energy Efficiency. Using third-party testing, the builder can ensure a well-sealed building envelope and optimized mechanical systems. This section also accounts for energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
- Water Efficiency and Conservation. Build Green NM increased the water efficiency requirements from the National Guidelines in response to the NM climate. Fixtures, appliances, and landscaping are addressed in this section.
- Indoor Environmental Quality. This section encourages the use of non-toxic materials and management of moisture and ventilation.
- Operation, Maintenance, and Homeowner Education. Educating the homeowner is essential for a high-performance home to operate properly.
- Global Impact. Building in a way that is mindful of the global environment will reduce the greater impact of construction projects.
View the Complete Eco-Homes Guidlines
 New Mexico Green Building and Eco-Homes Links
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