Home builders often get questions such as “How do you build green?” or “How much more does it cost to build green?” The fact is, there are many different ways to build green depending on your specific goals. The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Cleveland produces an annual Green Home Tour. The Tour allows homeowners to see firsthand northeast Ohio homes that demonstrate energy efficiency, sustainability practices, green interior design and construction using environmentally friendly materials.

The 2011 Green Home Tour took homeowners from Concord to LaGrange while showcasing six beautiful, green-friendly homes in a myriad of styles, designs and price ranges. Mike Payne, vice president of operations for Payne & Payne Builders, is chairman of the HBA’s Green Building Initiative (GBI) and the annual Green Home Tour.

Payne says, “The goals of the GBI are to encourage green building practices within the local industry and promote builders who are on the forefront of green building, while serving as an educational resource for HBA members and consumers.”

The Tour takes place over three weekends, usually in September and October, and the hours are noon to 6pm. Admission is free.