Perhaps a better approach than wagging fingers at iinadvertent energy hogs is to make the right choices easier. For instance, “Would you rather have solar energy or wind for your entree? How about a side of low-flow dual flush toilets and a faucet aerator with your order?”

Of course, in the real world it is not that simple. Even the choir has a difficult time incorporating green features into their existing buildings because of the difficulty of documenting their value. Real estate appraisers are in the same pickle jar. They must examine the cost to build, replacement value, income (if any) and use comparable sales to support the final value. Except there aren’t any comparable sales in most neighborhoods. At least, not yet.