Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

Austin's drawing new solar technolgy jobs and expertise to the area.

Austin is slated to receive $4.8 million in funding for job education and training in the high-demand field of solar technology through the U.S. Department of Labor. The program, administered by the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, is expected to provide training for approximately 1,000 workers in the Austin area, preparing them for crucial positions in solar power plants throughout the region and as far afield as Kansas, New Mexico and Arizona. The Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program is sponsored by a number of national and Austin-based groups, including the Austin Workforce Investment Board, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and ImagineSolar.

Part of the economic stimulus package passed by Congress, the initiative is one aspect of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It is intended to provide employment opportunities for veterans, women, and minorities as well as offering unemployed individuals the chance to learn a new set of job skills. Austin’s highly-trained workforce and commitment to green technology played a significant part in its selection; it is one of only 25 sites to receive similar funding. The initiative is slated to distribute $100 million in funds over the next year; grants available through the stimulus program range between $1.4 million and $5 million, making the Austin grant one of the largest distributed to local programs.

This news comes on the heels of an initial report by the Cleantech Group and Deloitte showing a 33% decline in venture capital investment in the green technology sector in 2009. While at first glance these figures seem to spell bad news for the overall clean and green technology industries, the overall picture for venture capital investment was far worse. In relative terms, green technologies still attract investors and funds at a higher rate than most other sectors of the investment economy. Solar technology still leads the pack, with about 21% of all green technology investment in this area.

Texas ranks third in green technology investment in the nation, with only California and Massachusetts investing more in this area. Austin is especially proactive in the area of green technology, with many homes and businesses incorporating solar collection and energy efficient design in their initial construction. The additional funding provided through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program will help Austin remain on the cutting edge of clean, green energy sources and ensure a brighter economic outlook for the entire area.

Developer Magazine has announced its 2009 Sustainable Community of the Year. Mueller is located in the vibrant city center of Austin, Texas, and reflects Austin’s commitment to green technology and environmental responsibility. The development makes use of the land formerly devoted to the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, reimagining it as a mixed-use urban environment incorporating commercial and residential elements in one unique package. Built by Catellus Development Corporation and designed by ROMA Design Group, the project is expected to provide approximately 10,000 construction jobs to Austin residents.

As a participant in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development program, the development requires that all residential construction in Mueller qualify for Austin Energy’s three-star energy-efficiency rating. In addition, commercial buildings within the development must meet LEED certification standards; this ensures that they will provide healthy and energy-efficient environments. The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the first hospital ever to achieve LEED platinum certification and set the standard for new construction in Mueller. It is joined by the platinum-certified Ronald McDonald House and the silver-rated Dell Pediatric Research Institute; Mueller’s strict environmental standards ensure the highest level of green-friendly building possible.

Mueller already boasts over 200 three-star rated homes; the community is eventually slated to provide 4,600 residential units, of which one-fourth will be devoted to low and middle-income housing. Entry-level homes are designed to provide a point of access to the housing market for younger buyers, while a senior living community is expected to provide affordable housing for older residents. Ultimately it is planned that 10,000 residents will be served by the Mueller development. Green space and parks comprise twenty percent of the development and occupy 140 acres, providing families with safe places to relax and play together.

Mueller is the result of a partnership between Austin and Catellus Development and is centrally located to allow easy access to major employers within the metropolitan area. Situated just two miles from the University of Texas campus and three miles from downtown businesses, Mueller earns high marks for its pedestrian-friendly design and well-planned transportation routes. The development will eventually include over four million square feet of retail and employment opportunities, allowing many residents to live and work in the same area and eliminating lengthy commutes. Austin Energy’s on-site power plant is environmentally advanced and provides green energy for the development.

Mueller offers unique advantages to residents and businesses; as a result, it has gained local support and is considered one of the most innovative and green-friendly projects of its kind anywhere in the United States. Recreational, retail, employment, and residential areas coexist harmoniously and provide a cohesive and sustainable community in the heart of Austin.

Austin Energy has a program developed to help residents, business owners and property investors reach for a greener environment. They offer green education programs, assistance and consulting on all levels of real estate. To further show their commitment to the community as a whole they also offer free home energy improvements to those who qualify.

This program is targeted to the low and moderate income range, and is designed to improve the energy efficiency of the living space. This of course improves the energy costs of the home and enhances the comfort level and lifestyle.

If they need to, Austin Energy will provide and install the needed materials for attic insulation, duct repair and or sealing, plumbing caulking as needed. If need be they will even take time to update the weather stripping around the doors and install solar screens. With these minor changes a home’s energy value can increase dramatically. With Austin Energy’s program, anyone who qualifies can see the benefits rapidly in their bill.

Visit: Austin Energy to see if you qualify.

Today’s links

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From the National Association of REALTORS

Promoting Energy Efficiency in the Nation’s Buildings

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 does much to promote energy efficiency in the nation’s buildings. And tax incentives are among the engines driving the shift. That’s great news for you and your clients.

Here is a sampling of the new federal incentives as reported by the Tax Incentives Assistance Project.

Residential Buildings

• Energy efficiency incentives for upgrades to existing homes, which cover improvements to building envelope and heating, cooling and water heating equipment, are now available through 2010. The cap has increased to $1,500.

• The existing home incentives are now calculated at 30% of the cost of installation, up to the $1,500 cap. Until further clarification on the legislation, it appears that labor is not included.

• On-site renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic and hot water systems, small wind systems and geothermal heat pumps, are eligible for a tax incentive worth 30% of the total cost of the system. There is no cap on the amount.

Commercial Buildings

• A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or tenants of new or existing commercial buildings that are built or reconstructed to save at least 50% of the heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating and interior lighting energy cost of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. (The standard provides minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of buildings).

• Partial deductions of $.60 per square foot are available for improvements to one of three building systems – building envelope, lighting or heating and cooling – that reduces total heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating and interior lighting energy use by 16 2/3% (totaling 50% when applied to all three systems).

• Buildings placed in service between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2013, and covered by the scope of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001 are eligible.

Learn more about the incentives stemming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and download a matrix of energy efficiency incentives.

Individual states offer additional energy efficiency and renewable energy tax incentives. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency is a central clearinghouse for them.

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Green Statistics from Mcgraw Hill

Global: Early adopters are deeply involved in green, with 30% building green on over 60% of their projects in 2008. Over the next five years, more than half (53%) expect to reach this level of involvement.

Nonresidential Building: Industry Players in commercial and institutional buildings are getting increasingly active in green building, with those largely dedicated to green building (30% or more of their projects built green) reporting a 50% increase(10 percentage points) from 20% in 2008 to 30% in 2009.

Residential Home Builder: Builders heavily involved in green building (60% or more projects green) is expected to also increase from 26% in 2008 to 36% in 2009.

Statistics taken from McGraw – Hill Construction’s Green Outlook 2009

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You have amazing plans. They involve you buying a house that might need a little work but has a lot of potential. You’ll take that potential and use it to create a green haven. Your home will be more eco-friendly than even you had ever imagined. Everything in it will work to sustain some part of the environment, from the roof, which will hold a garden, to the cooling system, which will be energy efficient and made from recycled parts. You have grand plans, but there is one small problem: your wallet, for the money in your savings and checking accounts won’t go as far as you may think.

HyoJung Kim and husband Seth Garland of New York both thought they could easily renovate their home, making it green for as little as $70,000. What they found instead was that going green was putting them in the red. Units that were energy efficient and moderately priced were costing them thousands of extra dollars to install. Architectural designs that would save money in the future were causing complications and costing money they didn’t have in the present. And the falling real estate market was only adding to the real estate debt they had already accumulated. To make ends meet, they had to forgo many of their plans, sell their mortgaged condo and attempt to make the house, rather than a green place to live, a livable place to live.

Before you wind up in the same situation as Kim and Garland, assess your finances. Whatever you imagine it will cost to make all of the renovations you are envisioning, add a little more. And then, find ways to go green that you can afford. You don’t have to knock down walls, build roof gardens or use only plastic plumbing to help the Earth. There are other things you can do, less costly things that will keep the world and you in the green.

Many homeowners today are leaning toward an environmentally friendly home. If it is time to remodel your floors, you may be happy to know that there are several eco-friendly options to choose from. Floors designed with the environment in mind not only last as long as traditional floors, but also offer a whole new variety of eye catching choices.

One of the most popular green flooring options is bamboo. This is a fast-growing renewable resource that can be made into sturdy flooring similar to hardwood floors. This flooring has a unique look that many homeowners are looking for. Since it is a grass, not actual wood of any kind, it can be harder to find variety. It will last as long as wood, but with less cost to the environment. Cork flooring has also recently gained popularity. This material offers another unique style and a new texture to a home. Cork is pulled from the trunk of a cork oak tree, without harming the tree itself. It helps to insulate the home as well as absorbs sound. Reclaimed hardwood floors give us yet another green flooring option. These are real wood floors made from recycled planks. Many come from older structures built with stronger wood, so they will last longer than floors made today.

There are so many ways to build or remodel a home without damaging the environment as much as before. We continue to look for ways to decrease waste and energy usage. These flooring options will save thousands of trees while giving a home a unique look, making these floors even more beautiful.

Many people have wanted to help the environment but feel it is impossible since most green additions are more expensive than traditional ones. While this can be true, there are a few ways to go green without breaking the bank. This can be done by simply adjusting a few things in your home that can help the environment tremendously.

First, look at your water heater. If it is older than 2004, it has no insulation. By wrapping the tank in an insulating fireproof blanket, you can reduce your annual water heating bill by up to 10%. You can also insulate your hot water pipes using the same method. Fix any leaky faucets in the house. About 2700 gallons of water is lost every year from dripping faucets. It is a small fix that can have a huge impact. You can also check your toilet for leaks by dropping a small amount of food coloring into the water. If it disappears, there is a leak. Fixing this leak can save you about 200 gallons a day. Reduce the flow you use to wash your dishes to about the width of a straw and save a gallon of water per minute. Have your furnace serviced at least every two years to reduce carbon dioxide release. Use less energy when washing clothes by using cold water and the regular cycle as opposed to permanent press.

There are so many little things that we can all do that will decrease the amount of energy used and water loss. If everyone took these steps, the impacts would be almost immeasurable. The most important factor is that these suggestions are all low to no cost and can reduce your annual bills while helping the environment.

The city of Austin has done well during the recent real estate crisis. Austin has been included in many “Top 10” lists, including those for home buyers and home sellers. The city has also been recognized for its embracing of green building. The Austin Green Building Program offers many tips on how to build while being environmentally safe, and how to live that way once construction is complete. Many local builders use these guidelines to ensure quality green homes are built properly.

The Building Program bases its suggestions on Austin’s specific climate. Recommendations for heating and cooling the home are made based on the area’s relative humidity, annual rainfall rates, and winds. After studying all of these factors, the Program is able to advise builder how best to use natural resources. For example, it is recommended to build the home with the broad side facing north or south to avoid overheating during sunrise or sunset. Skylight use should also be limited for the same reason. Too much heat absorbed by the home will increase the need for an air conditioner. It is also recommended to use vents and reflective heat barriers on the roof to keep an attic cooler. Lighter color shingles will also keep the home cooler.

There are many more suggestions from Austin’s Green Building Program, for any part of new home construction. Since renewable resources are so necessary, many recommendations will offer a rebate or other benefit for using green planning. Be sure to look into how much building green can save you right now, and in the future.

Green has definitely become a popular color. The city of Austin has embraced an eco-friendly view on home building. Many local builders and real estate agents have placed more focus on this new facet of construction. More home buyers are looking for environmentally healthy alternatives for building materials and more energy efficient appliances. The housing market has taken notice of this trend and is making every effort to supply this dream.

Real estate agents are getting into the green scene now, with a recent seminar held by the MetroTex Association of Realtors. The seminar focused on educating the agents about specializing in green home sales. A few years ago, some agents chose this focus as a means to stand out in the industry. These days it has become almost a necessity to possess the knowledge of a home’s carbon footprint. Previously built homes can be evaluated for its energy usage. Many homeowners looking to sell have stated they are willing to spend the money on making their house greener. With the increased demand for eco-friendly homes, it is no wonder that more and more agents are looking for specialization in this field. Real estate agents are encouraging sellers to update their homes to make it more sellable. In the current depressed market, anything that brings better attention to a home helps.

In such a rough real estate market, agents have taken the steps to increase their selling potential. Austin has taken great strides the last few years in green building. Local agents have recognized this and are educating themselves to meet the demand.

Austin has been a city at the top of the list for cities that have embraced the green movement. Many local builders are using sustainable materials to build new homes. Energy efficient appliances are becoming the norm as opposed to upgrades options. Now the movement has moved outside. Many new commercial buildings are including landscape architecture with a green touch. The result is a beautiful place for employees to relax and, in some cases, to work.

The outside of commercial buildings has long been an ignored space. With the new focus on conservation, many businesses have begun to realize that utilizing this otherwise unused space can create a better working environment. Native plants and sustainable materials are being used to make these outdoor settings more eco-friendly. The most notable recent eco-friendly landscaping project in Austin is the Austonian building. When complete the building will include a 17,000 square foot rooftop garden that includes a 75 foot pool with fountains and an energy saving water irrigation system. That system will literally use rainwater to care for its plants. There will also be a dog park and herb garden. Landscape architecture firm, TBG Partners has been called upon to create similar outdoor havens for companies like the Ronald McDonald House and Dell’s Children’s Medical Center.

There is an increasing desire to conserve as much energy as possible and businesses in Austin have stepped up their efforts to lend a helping hand to the environment. As the trend continues to become the norm here, more companies are expected to follow.