April 22 is the 47th annual celebration of Earth Day, when people worldwide raise awareness for preserving the environment.
Many within the real estate industry have joined the effort to protect the planet for future generations. The United States Green Building Council has devised a rating system—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)—to evaluate the environmental performance of a building and encourage developers to apply sustainable designs.
From solar panels to wind turbines to high-efficiency lighting to sustainable materials, homebuyers are increasingly being offered eco-friendly features.
To help you celebrate the spirit of Earth Day, peruse the eight homes below, which each allow you to live in luxury and reduce your environmental footprint at the same time.
2712 Broadway St, San Francisco, California
Listing Price: $40 million
This $40 million property in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights is applying for LEED Platium certification.
JACOB ELLIOTThe $40 million property didn’t only set new heights in terms of price—listing records show it is more expensive than any house currently on the market in San Francisco—but it’s also made a mark with its eco-friendliness. The home features solar heat and power, a rainwater collection system that stores up to 5,100 gallons of water underground, double-paned windows and closed-cell foam insulation, which keeps water and air out. This newly built seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom house also boasts sweeping views of the city thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.
More:Inside the $40 Million Home For Sale In San Francisco’s Billionaire’s Row
620 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, Florida
Listing Price: $23.85 million
The ocean-to-lake estate is selling for $23.85 million
Andy FrameThis home, certified "green" by USGBC, is a Tahitian-inspired ocean-to-lake estate located in Manalapan, Florida. Its energy-efficient appliances, rainwater collection system, air purification systems, and solar panels won the house two eco-friendly certificates from both the Florida Green Building Council and the Energy Star for Homes programs. The 12,305-square-foot estate has seven bedrooms, 10-and-a-half baths in the main house, and guest house. It also features 150 feet of oceanfront, a 2,000-gallon aquarium, as well as "water floors"—glass floors that reveal an aquarium below.
5795 Old Ranch Road, Park City, Utah
Listing Price: $5.495 million
LEED Gold certified mansion in Park City
JESS REID REAL ESTATEThis house has been awarded the LEED GOLD and Energy Star Certifications because of its high energy efficiency. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame unobstructed 180-degree views of the three ski resorts near the property, and it borders the 1,200-acre Swaner Nature Preserve. Also, a year-round stream flows through the property, offering rare water frontage in Park City. In addition, the property features a large, separate and transformable modern "barn" and two spacious living areas.
800 Corte Madera Ave., Marin County, California
Listing Price: $25 million
Topped with solar panels, the home features a rammed-earth exterior.
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTYThe 11-acre compound was designed by Sim Van der Ryn, a leader in sustainable architecture and the architect of California’s first energy-efficient and climate-responsive building. From its rammed-earth exterior to its solar-paneled roof to the organic garden where tomatoes, lettuce, and artichokes grow, nearly every part of this home was designed with sustainability in mind. The main residence is arranged over two levels with a master suite located in its own wing and three additional bedrooms in a separate wing. The main residence also boasts a professional music studio and home theater. It also features an integrated fitness center, wine cellar, and a racquetball court.
More:In California, an Eco-Luxe Home Where Organic Vegetables Grow
2 Pauls Lane, Southampton, New York
Listing Price: $7.995 million
The Hampton mansion is selling for $7.995 million
BROWN HARRIS STEVENS OF THE HAMPTONS AND NORTH FORKThis high tech, LEED-certified mansion is energy efficient and hosts multiple internet-controlled app-based technologies. It features seven en-suite bedrooms and eight-and-a-half baths. The first floor has a grand entry with a high ceiling, a chef's kitchen, a walk-in pantry, a dining room with butler's pantry, and a living room connecting to the study. The finished lower level includes an open floor plan with laundry room, 1,300-bottle wine cellar, recreation space with wet bar and media, an en-suite bedroom, and custom designed natural stone and wood finishes throughout.
1547 Tower Grove Drive, Beverly Hills, California
Listing Price: $12.5 million
The house is equipped with solar panels, electric car charging station and many other eco-friendly features.
Douglas Elliman Real EstatePerched above Beverly Hills, this eco-friendly house is equipped with a hospital-grade air-filtration system, solar panels, electric car charging station, rainwater collection system, drought-resistant landscaping, and custom Fleetwood doors. The mansion also takes care of your luxury needs (or desires as the case may be). It features floor-to-ceiling windows, a master bedroom with views of the infinity pool and city lights, a gourmet eat-in kitchen with a marble island and top-of-the-line appliances. Intelligently designed for today’s modern needs, the home also has a three-car garage, two dens, a family room, and a gym.
17876 Vicino Way, Pacific Palisades, California
Listing Price: $5.795 million
The single-family home is Platinum LEED certified.
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTYThe oceanfront mansion was built with the best of sustainable, efficient and healthful materials like Ipe wood, bio-lime plaster, recycled glass, radiant heat, P.V. solar and LED lighting. Platinum LEED certifies the highest rated green build technologies. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom house also features ocean, coastline and city views and an open floor plan.
More:Supermodel Tyra Banks Lists Manhattan Penthouse for $17.5M
2 River Terrace Apt.25/26 C, Battery Park City, New York
Listing Price: $3.575 million
The condonium is next to Rockefeller Park and the Hudson River.
Travis MarkThe Riverhouse, or 2 River Terrace, was rated LEED Gold, making it one of the greenest condominiums in New York City. Owners enjoy filtered air, filtered water, eco-friendly materials and lower energy costs. Situated in front of Rockefeller Park and the Hudson River, this full-service condominium also offers 24-hour concierge, on-site parking, a salt-water lap pool, a fitness center, bicycle storage, billiards area, a landscaped interior courtyard and outdoor terrace, and private pet grooming area. The three-bedroom, three-and-half-bathroom duplex has oversized windows in every room, which gives the residences unobstructed views of the Hudson River, North Cove Marina, and the Waterfront Esplanade.