Alongside this display was a line of solar panels and other green technologies, including both electrical and water conservation tech.
The popularity of green technology has been on the rise for a long time, but seems to be building a crescendo. "Don't Just Build Green - Operate Green!" was one popular session that drew a high-energy crowd and received jubilant feedback. Exhibitors stormed the event this year with conservation-themed debuts and media.
Better Homes and Gardens found that 87% of all consumers intend to make high-efficiency heating and cooling a priority in their next home purchase, 86% plan to buy high-efficiency appliances, and 24.9% will even employ geothermal heating in their next home. In general, heating and cooling was a higher priority than Energy Star compliant appliances.
The real demand, however, is on making any upgrade that gives the most efficiency benefit for the least amount of money. Eliot Nusbaum, the executive editor of home design for Better Homes and Gardens, said "The focus is now on low-cost improvements that will pack a big punch."
In a survey of more than 2,300 homeowners, and potential homeowners, painting rooms and laying new carpet or flooring outweighed Energy Star rated doors and windows.
In the building sector, next-generation energy sources are still gaining popularity, but in the minds of homeowners, it's the less-glitzy, but still conservation-friendly details that make their way into the renovation budget.