Unsettling as the threat of global warming is, there’s new hope on the horizon for our living quarters. “Green” living is the new rage in cities across the country, and developers are taking notice. Welcome to the green condo wave. Throughout this week, GearCrave is going to take you on a cross-country tour of America’s hippest Earth-friendly pads. From Chicago’s glass and steel skyscraping models to Scottsdale’s sun-shielding copper beauties, there’s something for someone — everywhere. Join us, won’t you?

Continue reading for GearCrave’s introduction to a week of Green Living across the US!

The Green Wave

It seems like it started overnight with an Al Gore-sponsored film that was shoved down our throats, but green has been going on for a while. The U.S. Government-approved Energy Star program has been going strong for years. Count on any green condo to be stocked with Energy Star appliances throughout. Other programs such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s strict Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines offer a blueprint for how to build, how to save energy and how to cut costs. Each building that applies for LEED certification will be tested to see just how efficient it is. When looking for a place, choose the highest LEED total you can find.

(image courtesy: 416style)

Who’s Doing It?

Megabuilder corporations, architects and plain ole’ civilians are getting in on the act, choosing communities that value Mother Earth as much as the chic, modern looks they are after. Even green building stores are popping up around the country. Check out Greenmaker Building Supply (www.greenmakersupply.com) and aka Green (www.akagreen.com) for more info.

The Cost

Sure, green supplies and green homes cost a pretty penny, but they pay themselves off in the end. Energy Star washing machines and dryers use less energy and water, drastically slashing your energy bills. Many LEED homes generate power themselves, be it solar, hydro or wind power through various methods. If you create your own energy, you can kiss those summer AC and winter heat bills goodbye.

The Future

Nearly every condo project that goes up these days is implementing some sort of green feature. The communities we will profile this week are just the tip of the iceberg. Explore your area for other options — you’ll be surprised how many resources there are all over the country.

Be sure to check back throughout the week, GearCravers.  We’ll be covering one green condo project per day this week from a major city near you.