I’ve always wondered if “selling green” actually works.

When you pitch the energy savings of a lighting or home automation system, does that resonate at all with customers? Or do they really only care about what it can do?

I think it’s getting there. “carbon footprint” and “green” are hot words for 08, and with energy costs going up, people are more open to it.

I’d like to see more “green” products:
*speakers make from recycled material
*LED displays
*Zero energy use products when you turn them off
*Easy to recycle products

Time will tell.

I’d be surprised if it did make a difference. I do a lot of marketing in the construction business and Automation sells on the basis of the “cool factor”.

I think Home Automation is a lot more about convenience than conservation. If someone has energy savings concerns they are going to go with Geothermal or Spray Foam insulation in a new home.

“Green” is cool! In times with raising energy prices people start changing their lifestyle and care about efficiency!

I think it is a good selling point and there are some people who care about our children’s future but the average builder invests in other solutions to make homes more efficient before investing in lighting control systems.

Ron,

I agree - but the reason is that you can achieve a lot more energy efficiency with other methods than automation. The 15000 sqft plus homes that I’ve been working with all go with spray foam - some go with Geothermal - and Automation is an emotional convenience. If it need be rationalized, I guess they could do it with “Green”.

Ed

Did someone notice that Ron Hayne is actually Oliver Hesker? Heseker posts under Benollismartsystems, incrediblehouse, unbelievable, Ron Hayne and The-Guy on this forum.

I think the green movement will change a lot of the products that we use, and will change the way that we do business, to an extent.  I think the most important thing is not to force it down people’s throats, as is happening so much now with the media.