Still, Stone remains undeterred. He said more and more people are becoming aware of EEMs. "A lot of people are saying, 'Hey, I can refinance my home and make all these upgrades right away.'" He said he is working prospective buyers to look at purchasing existing homes and informing them of resources available to make green upgrades, including some conventional loans he said will allow homebuyers to borrow up to 115 percent of a home's value for energy efficiency improvements.

Some local developers are also thinking green when designing and constructing houses that utilize space, light and energy in a much more efficient fashion. Scott Hinton, principal owner of H Space Design Build in Salt Lake City, said there are a number of ways to improve the efficiency of a home without breaking the bank. His company is currently finishing up construction of a home in the Liberty Park area that is approximately 2,100 square feet utilizing radiant heat and recirculated air to provide increased efficiency and comfort. While a home (which already sold for $400,000) would not be as warm in very cold weather or as cool during the warmest months using this technology solely, when used in conjunction with a high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner, it reduces utility costs substantially.

Hinton said the home also makes use of natural lighting and other design aspects that enhance everyday living, including a tankless water heater that provides an endless supply of on-demand hot water by only heating water when it is used, such as for bathing, laundry, dishwashing, etc. This outside of the home has xeriscape landscaping and a roof constructed of energy efficient materials, including a garden area that also enhances overall efficiency.

For more information on Energy Efficiency Mortgages visit: www.pueblok.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/energy_mort/energy-mortgage.htm

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E-mail: jlee@desnews.com