One of the biggest trends to hit society has been energy conservancy or as the young people say, “going green.” While in the beginning the idea of going green seemed trivial, now there is no denying that being energy efficient is something we can benefit from. By being conscious of the environment we not only protect our planet, and all that inhabit it, but we should also take pride in our contribution to the greater good.

Take a look at what some homeowners across the country have done to not only make their homes “greener,” but save a few bucks in the process!

1. Customized Heating and Cooling- $1,495,000

Homeowners of this beautiful Delaware home decided to go with a 3 zone HVAC (Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning) system. Zone heating and cooling is an ideal option for conserving energy and maintaining costs. It allows you to heat or cool particular areas of the house that are most frequently used while keeping temperatures down in rooms that are not used as much. Listed by Joan Goloskov with Coldwell Banker Preferred.

2. Being Green Inside and Outside- $2,090,000

The owners of this Massachusetts home decided to go green by installing an eco-stone driveway. Eco-stone is a popular option amongst those looking to make their homes just a little greener. Unlike concrete, or other non-porous surfaces, eco-stone is permeable and allows water to go beneath the stone’s surface which helps prevent flooding, erosion and better protection of wetland and aquatic ecosystems. Listed by Francesca Trainer with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

3. Designed with LEED Standards in Mind-$2,794,000 

Built by the renowned designer Michael Torrey of Avalon Construction Corp, this Malibu home is the epitome of green. The whole home is LEED certified, which is the gold standard when it comes to building green. On top of that you’ll find energy efficient appliances throughout the entire home. Listed by Madison Hildebrand with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

4. Soaking Up Sun in New Mexico- $1,850,000 

This New Mexico home takes full advantage of the state’s powerful sun exposure by using a state of the art photovoltaic system. Photovoltaic systems are essentially large sheets of solar panels. These not only help to power homes, but also significantly reduce your utility bills. Listed by Judy Buck with Coldwell Banker Lota Realty, Inc.

5. Taking Green to a Whole New Level- $2,494,000 

To stay warm in the winters and cool in the summers, this Illinois home takes being one with the earth to a whole new level with its use of geothermal heating and cooling systems. These systems use geothermal energy, which is energy that is created and taken directly from below the Earth, to efficiently control the climate of the home and limiting the home’s carbon footprint. Listed by Donald Stein with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.