Although it costs more money upfront to build net-zero homes than it does with ones that aren’t so energy-efficiency, homeowners in the long term can enjoy substantial savings.
Those savings are so huge in fact, that eventually they’ll pay for the home itself, and it doesn’t matter where you live either, according to a new study.
Net-zero energy homes are those that generate enough energy through environmentally friendly means as they use. They usually comes with features such as solar panels on the roof, energy-efficient appliances and insulation, triple pane windows, LED lights and smart thermostats. Other important things such as natural lighting are also taken into account. This could mean positioning windows or overhangs more strategically so as to provide more solar heating or shade, depending on the climate.
Now, a new study from the Rocky Mountain Institute, which is a research nonprofit group that’s focused on clean energy, shows just how long it takes for a typical net-zero energy home’s savings to pay off its cost. The following graphic shows how long it takes in 30 U.S. cities.
As the graphic illustrates, the cost of building a zero-energy home varies an awful lot depending on where it is. More savings tend to be had in areas with higher electricity rates and older building codes, the study found.
“Zero-energy homes are actually affordable,” Jacob Corvidae, principal at the Rocky Mountain Institute, told InsideClimate News. He said this is important to stress, as many consumers, and also some builders and policymakers, have a perception that zero-energy homes aren’t affordable.
The upfront costs may be more, but in a place such as Detroit, which is known for its fairly cold and miserable climate, it’s possible to save enough to pay off a zero-energy home in full in under ten years.
According to Rocky Mountain, a 2,200 sq. ft. zero-energy home in Detroit costs around $20,000 more to build than one that doesn’t have any standard efficiency or solar power. However that home would also save $2,500 in energy bills within the first 12 months, and each year thereafter. That means it would take just 9 years for those savings to cover the cost of building the home.
The study authors hope that more awareness of the potential savings a zero-energy home can provide will boost their popularity. And the trend seems to be accelerating anyhow. Well known home builders such as Meritage Homes PulteGroup are already beginning to offer more zero-energy to their customers. Another builder, Pearl Homes, is building a zero-energy community in Cortez, Florida, that comes with electric vehicle chargers and energy storage facilities.
“We’re starting to see the tip of that iceberg, and when it really hits, it’s going to be huge,” said Ann Edminster, a consultant and architect who works with the Net-Zero Energy Coalition.
Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected].
If you don’t like spending more than 24 hours in Las Vegas, can you enjoy a cruise on a ship that’s clearly inspired by that neon-lit oasis of excess? The answer, surprisingly, is yes.
When I stepped aboard MSC Euribia, the newest ship in Europe-based MSC Cruises’ fleet and the fifth vessel in its Meraviglia class, I knew that megaships weren’t exactly my comfort zone. And this ship, which accommodates 4,838 guests (6,327 at full capacity), is definitely mega.
Would I be able to see beyond the crowded elevators, the endless barrage of clinking glasses and loud laughter, the flash of a gazillion LED lights and, ultimately, the sheer mass-market-ness of it all? I had my doubts as I boarded the ship for a short three-day cruise from Amsterdam to Copenhagen that culminated with the ship’s christening by godmother Sophia Loren.
For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
But as I got to know Euribia, I realized that overstimulation can be kind of fun if you’re willing to lose yourself in the spectacle — all 184,000 gross tons of it.
That said, there were definitely things I liked, even loved, about this vibrant 19-deck siren named for Eurybia, the ancient Greek goddess who harnessed the natural elements to master the sea. There were also things I didn’t like, though they weren’t enough to make me lump this ship, the most eco-friendly in the MSC fleet, in the reject pile with my least-favorite U.S. city.
What I liked
Carousel Lounge
MSC Euribia’s Carousel Lounge. MSC CRUISES
During my first night on board, I followed the after-dinner crowds to the Carousel Lounge, a Deck 7 aft performance venue on all Meraviglia-class ships that has been beautifully reinvented on Euribia. When the space debuted in 2017 on Meraviglia, it was designed in the round with overhead rigging for Cirque du Soleil performances. Now freed from the constraints of circus-like acrobatics, the reimagined, opened-up Carousel is classy, sophisticated and social.
The new vibe is mainly due to Big Band at Sea, a superb 19-piece orchestra with a pair of dynamic vocalists whose repertoire includes crooner-era classics, hit Broadway tunes and modern chart-toppers. They perform three sets each evening and draw an appreciative, if somewhat mature, audience.
Yes, there’s a dance floor, but there are also a large bar and cozy groupings of sofas set around a glowing fireplace. A red-felt pool table is popular with younger guests.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
By day, with shades and screens lifted and the space’s floor-to-ceiling windows revealed, the Carousel Lounge is a comfortable place to read or converse. Outdoor terraces on both the port and starboard sides also offer a quiet spot to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
The 5 pools
MSC Euribia pool deck. DONNA HEIDERSTADT/THE POINTS GUY
One thing I do appreciate about big ships is the options they offer, including multiple pools. Euribia has five of them, four outdoors and one indoors (with a retractable roof).
The pools are strategically placed around the ship, although two are adjacent on Deck 15. The spacious resort-style Main Pool is lined with cushioned sun beds and features two crescent-shaped hot tubs. The indoor Bamboo Pool offers a much smaller pool and hot tub. While ideal for cruising in chillier northern climates, the latter can get noisy when the roof is closed.
Two pools are located aft. The infinity-edge Horizon Pool on Deck 16 has an amphitheater-style design with multiple levels of sun beds. It also has a bar and transforms into a nighttime entertainment space.
Related: The 6 best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones
The kid-friendly, reef-themed Ocean Cay Aquapark features vibrant waterslides and a splash pool. It’s located on Deck 19, and if you’re cruising without kids, you might not even realize it’s there.
The fifth pool isn’t open to everyone. It’s located forward on Deck 19 within the Yacht Club, the cruise line’s elevated “ship within a ship” enclave of 103 staterooms and suites featuring exclusive spaces and amenities. I wasn’t booked into the Yacht Club, but I did tour its pool deck. I could see myself spending a sea day there, sipping an Aperol spritz and nibbling on snacks served from the nearby grill.
Helios: Wine Maker
Helios master class. DONNA HEIDERSTADT/THE POINTS GUY
Wine and technology prove to be a perfect pairing in Helios: Wine Maker. This new bar concept on Euribia takes a not-so-novel concept — machine-dispensed wine, 96 options, in fact, in small, medium and large pours — and adds a cool interactive twist.
During any of four sommelier-led master classes, which are each priced at 35 euros ($38) per person, guests are seated around a first-of-its-kind touchscreen table that helps guide them through a sampling of four wines with details on tasting notes and the winemaker’s story. Pay attention: There’s a pop quiz at the end.
Master class topics include New World versus Old World wines; biodynamic and organic wines; and a revelatory wine and glass pairing with wine glass company Riedel that I enjoyed my first evening on board. But even without a sommelier-led tasting, guests can easily consult touchscreens for more information about the wines they’ve selected.
Yes, self-dispensing wine bars can be impersonal. What worked for me here was that it made tasting a variety of wines easy and informative. I could read all about a wine before I tried it or, in the case of the master class I attended, discover interesting facts and tasting notes as I sipped. (Yes, that minerality I detected was legit.) The sommelier was there to lead me through layers of information on the touchscreen beneath my wine glasses, making a high-tech process delightfully engaging, as wine tasting should be.
The Galleria
The Galleria on MSC Euribia. DONNA HEIDERSTADT/THE POINTS GUY
When I first encountered The Galleria, I had flashbacks of being swept up in a crowd of ceiling-gawking tourists in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This gargantuan, two-level promenade on decks 6 and 7 features faux-marble balconies and the longest LED “sky dome” on a cruise ship, which arches overhead like a time-warp hybrid of the Sistine Chapel and a Times Square billboard.
The entire space, which pulses with eye-popping graphics, is home to all specialty restaurants, plus several bars and a whopping 13,756 square feet of shopping opportunities.
Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries
To my surprise, my initial dislike that first evening quickly turned to fascination as I marveled at The Galleria’s bold, chameleon-like quality. What might have been just a two-level shopping mall at sea was transformed into a captivating work of art. Maybe it was all the wine I’d sipped, but the massive LED mosaic overhead was hypnotic … and helped orient me toward specialty dining venues, bars and, most importantly, the right elevator bank to reach my stateroom.
The irony isn’t lost on me that I’m giving the most Vegas-like thing on board Euribia an enthusiastic thumbs up.
The eco-conscious message of the hull artwork
MSC Euribia. MSC CRUISES
A painted hull isn’t exactly novel. Norwegian Cruise Line has been doing it since 2002. But the artwork that adorns Euribia — MSC’s second ship powered by liquified natural gas, its most energy-efficient vessel and the first to sail a net-zero carbon-emission maiden voyage using bio-LNG fuel — has an important message: #savethesea.
Before boarding Euribia, every guest will spot this hashtag painted in vivid turquoise on both the port and starboard sides and surrounded by stenciled blue sea creatures. The hull artwork, a first for the cruise line, was created by German artist Alex Flämig and chosen by MSC to represent twin goals: to have MSC’s entire fleet generate net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to protect coral and other endangered sea life via its MSC Foundation.
Euribia isn’t close to net zero yet, mainly because bio-LNG fuel isn’t widely available, but this massive ship is already 44% more efficient than MSC vessels built just 10 years ago. This statistic and other eco-minded onboard practices helped me put a check in the “like” column.
What I didn’t like
The stateroom decor and amenities
MSC Euribia cabin. VAN SARFATTI/MSC CRUISES
I felt hopeful as I swiped my keycard and opened the chic wood-like door, but when I saw my 189-square-foot stateroom, I was shocked — and not in a good way. The carpet, bulky sofa and oversized headboard were all dark brown, while the walls and furniture were beige. The patterned curtains and throw pillows were, you guessed it, brown and beige.
If brown is the new gray, I say no thank you. At least gray can lift and lighten a small space, while brown, especially the espresso-like shade used here (for practicality, I assume), is heavy and somber.
Then there was the artwork: an eel rendered in white dots against a brown ocean and a swirling orange sky. Where were the inspiring #savethesea blues of the hull? A few splashes of turquoise would surely have helped save this stateroom.
More importantly, where were the tissues and body lotion? I discovered that MSC supplies neither. The bathroom itself was a cramped, get-in-and-out-quickly kind of space, but thankfully, there was plenty of hot water eco-consciously generated by heat recovered from the engines.
Related: I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore
That night, I also discovered that the bed with its fluffy duvet and two pillow options was quite comfortable. I slept well — and with the lights off, the monochromatic brown didn’t bother me as much.
The lack of Italian food on board
Jean-Philippe gelato on MSC Euribia. DONNA HEIDERSTADT/THE POINTS GUY
On day two around 4 p.m., I began craving gelato. Bring on the Venchi! But Euribia, along with its Meraviglia-class siblings, features the French-inspired Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolat & Café and Jean-Philippe Crepes & Gelato instead of Venchi, the Italian brand offered on MSC’s Seaside-class ships.
For those not in the know, Venchi has been making fine Italian chocolates since 1878, plus various kinds of gelato in traditional Italian flavors since 2007. The latter, in particular, is quite delicious.
My sweet tooth was begging, so I ordered two scoops of Jean-Philippe Maury’s gelato: one scoop of pistachio and another of chocolate. Both were tasty, but something was slightly off. What was missing, I decided, was Venchi’s transportive Italian authenticity.
This sentiment mimicked my overall feeling about the food on Euribia. Despite having a few delicious bites, the cuisine somehow fell short of expectations.
MSC has steadily improved its culinary offerings over the past several years, and most of what I ate — especially the mozzarella made fresh daily in the Marketplace buffet, as well as the tender gnocchi and slice of well-made margherita pizza I had during my cruise — was satisfying. The standout, however, was a white asparagus appetizer with a tangy Italian blood orange sauce served at the Gala Dinner in the Aurora Borealis main dining room.
As for the extra-charge specialty restaurants, the sample bites I tried in Hola! Tacos & Cantina didn’t inspire me to head back for a full meal. The tuna and salmon rolls and robatayaki-style grilled eggplant served family style at Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar were OK but not outstanding. (I didn’t get a chance to try Le Grill, the French brasserie-inspired steakhouse that has replaced Butcher’s Cut on Euribia.)
Ultimately, nothing besides that small portion of tender white asparagus (which I would gladly have eaten multiple servings of) was truly memorable. I have sailed with MSC several times and know it’s a mainstream line that fills its massive ships by offering enticingly low cruise fares, but I always find myself hoping the dining will be better given the company’s Italian ownership.
As it turns out, food inspired by that heritage is what MSC does best.
Bottom line
MSC Euribia, which will cruise northern Europe through late 2024, is designed for affordable family fun, as it offers plenty to keep kids and teens occupied. There are complimentary kids clubs, a Sportsplex for court games and an arcade area for virtual reality fun.
That said, those traveling sans kids will not find themselves out of place. Couples will enjoy the ship’s sophisticated spaces and nightly entertainment.
Regardless of who you’re traveling with, you can expect an international (mostly European) passenger mix, announcements made in six languages and service that’s slower than you’re used to.
Give the ship a chance. After a few days, you might, like me, find yourself forgiving Euribia’s superficial flaws and embracing the ship’s megaship eco-warrior personality.
As sustainable technologies develop alongside people’s desires to live more sustainably, people have begun turning to their homes to reduce their carbon footprints, But have you ever wondered if you could build a home that wasn’t just ‘less bad’, but instead actually restored the environment around it? You can. Enter the Living Building Challenge.
The Living Building Challenge represents the pinnacle of sustainable development and promotes equity, regeneration, and self-sufficiency. But what is it? How do you certify your home? Is it even possible?
Whether you live in a house in Bend, OR, or a home in Seattle, WA, read on to learn everything you need to know about Living Building Certification.
What is the Living Building Challenge?
The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a green building certification program administered by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), and was launched in 2006 in Seattle, WA. The program continues to evolve as new research and technology releases, and is currently on its fourth iteration (4.0).
The goal of the LBC is to encourage designers and homeowners to build structures and projects that contribute positively to their local environment. Structures achieve this by mimicking the ecosystem around them from when before the site was developed, creating a regenerative and sustainable built environment.
Living Building Challenge Petals
The Living Building Challenge organizes its requirements into seven performance areas called Petals. Each Petal is further divided into Imperatives (20 total), which address specific topics related to that Petal. Here’s a brief summary of the seven Petals.
1. Place
This Petal focuses on the location of the project and its relationship to the surrounding community and ecosystem. It includes imperatives such as habitat exchange, urban agriculture, and appropriate siting.
2. Water
The Water Petal emphasizes achieving a water balance within the building’s site. This means that a home or building should meet all its water needs through captured precipitation or recycled water, and manage its wastewater onsite.
3. Energy
100% of the project’s energy must come from on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing the building’s environmental impact. This often includes installing solar panels, small wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources.
There aren’t specific requirements for energy per square foot, but the LBC insists that a building generate 105% of its energy needs.
4. Health and happiness
This Petal recognizes the importance of creating environments that optimize physical and psychological health and well-being. It includes imperatives related to indoor air quality, biophilic environments, and promoting physical activity.
5. Materials
It’s essential to encourage using materials that are non-toxic, transparent, and socially equitable. The Materials Petal requires projects to use safe and sustainable materials, and bans the use of materials that have negative environmental impacts or contain hazardous substances. The LBC has a “Red List” that contains a catalog of their banned materials and a “Watch List” of possibly problematic materials.
6. Equity
The Equity Petal encourages social equity and human rights within the building’s sphere of influence. This includes aspects such as human scale and humane places, universal access to nature and community services, and equitable investment.
7. Beauty
This Petal is about the aesthetic aspect of buildings and sites, recognizing that buildings should delight and inspire. The Beauty Petal insists that buildings incorporate design features intended solely for human delight, helping to connect people to the environment in a meaningful way.
Living Building Challenge for homeowners
While typically for commercial and public buildings, the LBC certifies homes as well. However, the LBC is extremely strict, so it can be time-consuming to design and build a certifiable home. As a result, only four residences in the US have received full certification (fulfilled all seven petals).
Unlike other green building standards that can be based on projections and simulations at the design stage, LBC certification is based on actual, proven performance after the building has been in operation for at least 12 consecutive months. There are four steps to receiving certification:
As sustainable technology and techniques advance, cost and building time should fall. The goal of the LBC is to promote sustainable and regenerative building practices, making them more accessible and affordable for all.
How do you certify your home?
The Living Building Challenge certification process is the same for all types of buildings, including houses. However, because homes are generally smaller and don’t have the same budgets as large commercial buildings, it can be harder for homeowners to fulfill every requirement.
Here’s a breakdown of how to certify your home through the LBC:
Registration: Start by registering your project with the International Living Future Institute. You need a premium membership to register, which costs between $50-$250
Design: Next, if you’re aiming for full certification, plan and design your home according to the LBC’s seven Petals and twenty Imperatives. This will likely require working with architects, engineers, and contractors who are experienced with sustainable construction and familiar with the LBC. Remember, the LBC requires that all aspects of the project, from the site choice to the energy systems to the building materials, comply with their standards.
Construction: Construct your home according to the design’s plans. Document your progress and gather evidence of compliance with each of the LBC’s requirements. This might include photos, receipts, contracts, and other documents that can verify your claims.
Performance monitoring: After construction is complete and you’re all moved in, you need to go through a 12-month performance period. During this time, you collect data and demonstrate that your home operates as designed and promised to the ILFI.
Audit and certification: Once your 12-month performance period is over, submit your documentation and data to the ILFI. An LBC Ready auditor will then review it to verify compliance with all the challenge’s requirements. If your home meets all of the requirements, you will be awarded LBC certification. If it only receives three out of seven Petals or just achieves net-zero energy use, it will receive separate certifications.
Certification levels
Full certification is incredibly difficult, so the LBC has three levels that a home or building can achieve.
Full certification: Full certification is awarded to homes and buildings that meet the requirements of all seven Petals.
Petal certification: Given to projects that satisfy the requirements of three Petals, including at least one of either Water, Energy, or Materials.
Net-zero energy building certification: Given to projects that achieve net zero energy but don’t meet all the requirements for Full or Petal certification.
The ILFI also offers additional certifications for houses, products, and entire communities.
Tips for homeowners striving for LBC certification
Even if you don’t receive full certification, using LBC’s guidelines can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and create a sustainable, self-sufficient, beautiful home. Additionally, the ILFI offers other certifications such as the Living Home Challenge, which might be a more feasible option for some people.
Also, one of the most difficult Petals to fulfill is energy use. A good tip is to reduce the overall amount of electricity your home requires and limit your usage, instead of simply installing more renewable technology.
Pros and cons of the Living Building Challenge for homeowners
While there are many advantages to pursuing LBC certification for your home, there are a number of challenges and potential drawbacks. Here’s a summary of the main pros and cons:
Pros
Sustainability: LBC-certified homes are incredibly sustainable. They produce all of their own energy with renewable resources, treat all water on site, and are built using non-toxic, locally-sourced materials. This reduces their environmental footprint and contributes positively to their local ecosystems.
Health and well-being: LBC homes are designed with occupants’ health and well-being in mind. They use non-toxic materials, include biophilic elements that connect occupants to nature, and promote active, healthy lifestyles.
Utility savings: By producing their own energy and managing their own water, LBC homes can reduce or even eliminate utility bills. This can lead to significant long-term savings.
Resilience: LBC homes are designed to be resilient, with features such as on-site energy and water systems that allow them to operate independently of municipal utilities. This can be a major advantage in the face of power outages, water shortages, or other disruptions. LBC homes also usually last far longer than non-certified homes.
Cons
Cost: Pursuing LBC certification can be expensive. The cost of implementing renewable energy systems, advanced water treatment systems, and non-toxic materials can be higher than traditional building methods. Additionally, paying for specialized design and landscaping, and resource monitoring can be costly and time-consuming. However, while the cost can be higher upfront, sustainable materials are only marginally more expensive, and you will likely save a huge amount on utilities over the years
Regulatory barriers: In many areas, local building codes and regulations don’t allow some systems that LBC certification requires. This can make it difficult or even impossible to implement certain features of an LBC home, such as composting toilets or on-site water treatment systems.
Technical challenges: Some parts of the LBC, such as achieving net-zero energy or managing all water on site, can be technically challenging, particularly in certain climates or locations. You will likely have to work with specialists to find a solution, or choose another location entirely.
Availability of materials: Sourcing non-toxic, locally sourced materials can be difficult depending on the location and material. Make sure to do your research before committing to certification.
Final thoughts
There are many green certification programs that you can use to help build a sustainable home, all of which aim to reduce your carbon footprint. The Living Building Challenge is one of the strictest in the world and promotes lasting, beneficial building design.
For homeowners willing to undertake its rigorous certification process, it offers the opportunity to create a regenerative home, contributing positively to its local ecosystem and promoting the health and well-being of their family. However, pursuing certification also comes with its share of challenges, including time, money, materials, and technical difficulties.
Ultimately, whether the Living Building Challenge is right for you depends on your personal goals, resources, and commitment to sustainability. Even if you decide not to pursue full certification, the principles and practices of the LBC can provide tips and tricks for creating a sustainable, healthy, and resilient home.
Sustainable living has become an increasingly important focus in today’s world, with individuals and communities alike seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprints. When it comes to building or renovating homes, sustainable practices and energy-efficient design have taken center stage. In response to this growth, several organizations offer certification programs to measure sustainability and push people to achieve more. But with numerous certifications and standards available, navigating the realm of sustainable building can be overwhelming.
Luckily, this Redfin article has everything you need to know. Learn what these programs are all about, and which one is right for your home. Whether you live in a house in Wilmington, NC, or are building a new home in Tampa, FL, read on to learn about the different certifications and requirements, so you can make informed decisions and choose the right path towards a greener home.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Focus areas: Whole building efficiency, including water, energy, materials, and air quality.
Property types: Commercial, residential, and public properties, and communities and cities.
Benefits for homeowners: Pairs well with other certification programs and has a wide range of certification levels.
Downsides: May not go far enough to reduce your carbon footprint.
Cost: $225 + additional fees. Pricing is reduced for members.
Established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993, LEED is arguably the most widely recognized green building certification system. LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. It offers certification across a spectrum of building types and focuses on several key areas: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and regional priority.
The four LEED certification levels include Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, which correspond to the number of points a project earns across these categories. Buildings receive annual audits to ensure they continue meeting necessary standards.
For more details, read our definitive guide: What Is LEED Certification? Tips for Homeowners
ENERGY STAR
Focus areas: Energy efficiency.
Property types: Products; commercial, residential, and public properties.
Benefits for homeowners: ENERGY STAR buildings require 15% less energy than standard buildings, meaning you’ll save money over the long run.
Downsides: ENERGY STAR is a fairly basic certification that only applies to energy use. This is best paired with other certifications.
Cost: $0-$1,500
The ENERGY STAR certification is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. It aims to help businesses and individuals save money and protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Most people associate ENERGY STAR with efficient appliances, but it also applies to buildings and houses.
Buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR label have to meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency, typically making them at least 15% more energy-efficient than standard buildings. Apart from energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR also provides tools and resources for improving water efficiency.
For more details, read our definitive guide: ENERGY STAR Certification: What Homeowners Need to Know
Living Building Challenge
Focus areas: Complete building and property sustainability and regeneration.
Property types: Commercial, residential, and public buildings and properties, and neighborhoods and cities.
Benefits for homeowners: The LBC provides the most comprehensive certification, so you can be confident your home is actively restoring the environment. Living Building Certification also applies to an entire property, while most others only apply to just the building.
Downsides: It is extremely difficult and time-consuming to fulfill every requirement, and can be expensive.
Cost: $50-$250
The Living Building Challenge (LBC), administered by the International Living Future Institute, is likely the most rigorous and comprehensive green building certification in the world. It uses a regenerative design framework that requires projects to operate positively instead of just passively.
The LBC comprises seven performance categories, or “Petals”: Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty. To be certified, a project must meet a series of ambitious performance requirements over a minimum of twelve months of continuous occupancy. Because of its difficulty, only four residential properties have received full certification. However, the LBC offers other certifications, including Petal certification and net-zero building certification.
For more details, read our definitive guide: Living Building Challenge Certification for Homeowners: Pros and Cons
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
Focus areas: Whole property sustainability, including where materials come from and how much your home contributes to pollution.
Property types: Commercial, residential, and public buildings and properties.
Benefits for homeowners: Accessible worldwide.
Downsides: Not as comprehensive or flexible as some other programs.
Cost: Depends on the size and scope of the project. Assessors are also paid separately.
Established in the UK in 1990, BREEAM is the world’s longest-running method of assessing, rating, and certifying buildings. BREEAM encourages designers, clients, and others to think about low-carbon and low-impact design, minimizing the energy demands created by a building before considering energy efficiency and low carbon technologies. BREEAM is comprehensive and also focuses on where products come from and who makes them.
Earth Advantage
Focus areas: Residential and low-income homes, and providing green home data for the general public through the Green Building Registry.
Property types: Residential buildings.
Benefits for homeowners: Extremely affordable and promotes sustainability in low-income developments.
Downsides: Not as comprehensive as other certifications.
Cost: $0
The Earth Advantage Certification focuses on promoting sustainable building practices that improve the environment and society by creating better model codes, building standards, and certification systems. It certifies residential buildings, including single-family and multifamily, using different rating systems for both. Earth Advantage can also certify projects for LEED.
In general, Earth Advantage buildings are healthier, more energy-efficient, and offer a lower cost of ownership over the lifetime of the building. To receive certification, a home must meet stringent criteria across five categories: energy, health, land, materials, and water.
SITES (The Sustainable Sites Initiative)
Focus areas: Planning, design, construction, and management of landscapes and other outdoor spaces. SITES does not verify buildings except in specific circumstances.
Property types: Commercial, residential, and public outdoor spaces.
Benefits for homeowners: Promotes sustainable landscaping and healthy outdoor living.
Downsides: Expensive and only applies to landscaping and outdoor areas. Best for large properties or paired with other certifications.
Cost: $6,500-$9,500 (less expensive for members).
SITES is a sustainability-focused framework that ushers landscape architects, engineers, and others toward practices that protect ecosystems and enhance the benefits of ecosystem services. Landscape architects, designers, engineers, architects, developers, policy-makers, and others use SITES to align land development and management with innovative sustainable design.
SITES also partners with LEED to create complementary rating systems that you can use independently or in tandem. LEED applies to your project building and the site it is located on, and SITES applies to everything on your site, except your building (with a few exceptions).
WELL Building Standard
Focus areas: Relationship between sustainability and human health, primarily in new construction.
Property types: Primarily commercial new construction, but offers residential as well.
Benefits for homeowners: WELL buildings are healthier for you and your family than many other certifications.
Downsides: It can be time-consuming or prohibitively expensive to incorporate WELL standards into an older building.
Cost: $2,500 for registration + $0.16 per square foot of property.
The WELL Building Standard, founded by the International WELL Building Institute, focuses on building features that affect people’s health and well-being. Areas of concern include air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, community, and innovation. The WELL Building Standard is the first standard to integrate human health and wellness into building certification.
WELL also partners with LEED to create a streamlined process for getting dual certification.
Passive House (Passivhaus)
Focus areas: Reducing energy use in buildings.
Property types: Commercial, residential, and public.
Benefits for homeowners: Significantly reduced energy bills and comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.
Downsides: Focuses entirely on energy use and is extremely rigid.
Cost: Determined by the examiner and varies widely depending on the square footage of the building.
The Passive House Institute (PHI) based in Germany developed this certification system. Buildings that are certified as a Passive House must meet strict energy usage requirements, focusing on high-level thermal insulation, stringent airtightness, and maximum energy gains from the sun. The result is a building that uses significantly less energy for heating and cooling than traditional buildings, often reducing the energy needed by up to 90%.
Final thoughts
There are hundreds of other certification programs that focus on specific aspects of a building, such as water management and light pollution. Some are also catered to specific regions. If you’re looking to certify your home, do your research and establish a budget for membership, applications, and certifications, as well as design, planning, and maintenance. Additionally, you can hire a 3rd-party to certify your home, although that may cost more.
Working towards a certified sustainable home is important and beneficial, but it can be cost-prohibitive. If you don’t have the budget for certification, read about a program’s requirements and try to incorporate them into your project; you don’t need to certify your home to make it more sustainable or even regenerative. No matter what you choose, incorporating sustainable practices into your lifestyle can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Best for cash back: Maximum Rewards® World Mastercard® by Amalgamated Bank
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
$30 bonus (30,000 points) when you spend $600 within the first three billing cycles
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
Cons
Higher variable APR on purchases and balance transfers after the introductory period
3% foreign transaction fee
Features
Travel insurance including
Amalgamated Bank supports a number of different causes from environmental sustainability to workers’ rights, and it’s union-owned to boot. Founded in 1923, it’s been rallying behind rallying people for over a century. It’s net-zero and run on renewable energy, pro-union, an ally to immigrants, and politically progressive.
But we’re here to talk about the credit card too. The Maximum Rewards® World Mastercard® is a rewards credit card that earns 1.5% rewards on all purchases. It’s got a great 12-month intro APR, a signup bonus, and good redemption flexibility — all without an annual fee.
Choose this option if you want to have your cake and eat it too (i.e. side with a bank that’s doing some good and still get a great flat-rate cash back card).
Learn more.
Best socially responsible card: Rewards Platinum Visa® from Green America
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited one point per dollar on all purchases
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
$150,000 in Travel Accident Insurance
Cons
1% foreign transaction fee
Features
Donates a portion of profits to charities
ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock
Maybe you’ve heard of Green America, the nonprofit working to combat climate change, promote ethical practices and corporate governance, fight for social justice, and more. Green America’s work covers a broad range of issues, and its credit card, the Rewards Platinum Visa®, supports these efforts with every transaction. And it earns unlimited points on everything.
This affinity card has a fairly competitive APR, doesn’t charge an annual fee, and has a few nice benefits like travel insurance and a lower foreign transaction fee. But it’s not perfect, and we wish it were more clear about how donations worked and where exactly they were going.
This is a good choice if you’re interested in socially responsible causes and giving back.
Learn more.
Best card for charitable donations: Charity Charge Card
Pros
No annual fee
Lower interest rate on purchases
Cons
Does not earn rewards
2% foreign transaction fee
Features
Donates 1% of all purchases to the charity of your choice
The Charity Charge Card automatically gives to charity every time you use it. Can your current card do that?
When you apply for this credit card, you get to choose the nonprofit you want your spending to automatically benefit. If a nonprofit is set up to receive credit card donations, it is likely available as an option. Bonus: your donations may qualify for charitable tax deductions, which can help the fact that you otherwise won’t earn rewards or cash back sting a little less.
Since donations are calculated as a percentage of spending, you’ll have a greater impact the more regularly you use this card. If you don’t want to miss out on rewards entirely, you could use this card for some of your spending that wouldn’t qualify for the best rates otherwise.
Learn more.
Read more: Want To Help But Can’t Give Cash? 10 Alternatives To Donating Money
Best secured credit card: Secured Mastercard® by Amalgamated Bank
Pros
Potential for a credit limit increase in as little as seven months after opening
Set your own credit line between $300 and $5,000
Potential to receive security deposit back in as little as 11 months with on-time payments
Cons
Does not earn rewards or cash back
$35 annual fee
3% foreign transaction fee
Features
Set your own limit and qualify for a credit limit increase
The Secured Mastercard® by Amalgamated Bank is a decent low-fee secured card for eco-conscious borrowers. It has a minimum limit of $300 and a maximum of $5,000, and your line is determined by your security deposit. This carries a modest annual fee (for a secured card) of $35 and fairly average interest rates, and it’s a little more flexible than the average competitor.
You may be eligible for a credit limit increase in as little as seven months after opening an account with responsible use and can get your deposit back in less than a year.
This is a good option for borrowers with little or poor credit, but you should only choose this if you couldn’t qualify for one of the others, as it doesn’t earn rewards and has higher fees.
Learn more.
Best for travel: Visa Signature Card (Climate Card) by Beneficial State Bank
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited one point per dollar on all purchases
Cons
1% foreign transaction fee
Features
Travel insurance and protection including: Travel & emergency assistance services, travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and roadside dispatch
Beneficial State Bank is a purpose-driven financial institution with an eco-friendly card for people who may want their spending to help out green charities and nonprofits.
The Climate Card is similar to the Rewards Platinum Visa by Green America in that it earns flat-rate rewards that can be donated to charity. But unlike the Green America card, the Climate Card has you choose what happens to your points. So if you want to donate them, you can. But if you want to instead redeem for cash or travel, that’s your prerogative too.
This is a good travel card because it has a 1% foreign transaction fee (compared to 1% or 2%) and comes with benefits like insurance and roadside dispatch. And because it lets you choose between keeping your points and donating them, it’s also one of the most flexible choices.
Learn more.
Best fee-free credit card (for people in Washington): Verity Signature Rewards Visa
Pros
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fee
1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
Cons
Only people in Washington state are eligible to join Verity Credit Union
Features
Signature Rewards Visa protection benefits including: extended warranty protection, emergency assistance travel services, accident insurance, and more
Credit cards without foreign transaction fees can be hard to come by, but this card makes it happen. The Signature Rewards Visa by Verity Credit Union charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, giving it a huge advantage over all the others on this list. But it has the huge disadvantage of being only available to people in the state of Washington.
Points can be redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, or purchases and there are no restrictions for earning. There’s also an intro APR offer of 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, making this comparable to many rewards cards on the market. If you do qualify to join Verity, consider it for this — especially if you’re on the fence about eco-friendly cards.
This is a good card from an admirable credit union, but it won’t be a fit for everyone (or most).
Learn more.
Best debit card for earning: Aspiration Spend and Save
Pros
Up to 10% cash back on eligible Conscience Coalition purchases
Earns up to 3.00% interest with qualifying debit activity
Cons
Monthly fees for the Plus Plan ($7.99 a month paid monthly or $5.99 a month paid annually)
Does not earn cash back on all purchases
Does not build credit
Features
$10 minimum deposit
Additional green benefits like carbon offsetting and planting trees with purchases
The Aspiration Spend & Save account offers a debit card that earns rewards like a credit card and comes with a whole host of eco-friendly benefits. There are two plans to choose from.
The base Aspiration plan uses a “pay what is fair” fee structure and the Aspiration Plus plan costs $5.99 or $7.99 a month depending on if you pay monthly or annually. The Aspiration plan pays up to 1.00% interest and up to 3% – 5% cash back while the Aspiration Plus plan pays up to 3.00% interest and 10% cash back on Conscience Coalition spending.
Both have features like early direct deposit and the ability to plant trees when you spend, but only the Aspiration Plus account includes additional automatic offsets and Purchase Assurance. If you decide this account is right for you, pick the Plus Plan to maximize benefits.
Read our full Aspiration review.
Aspiration Zero Credit Card
Aspiration used to offer a credit card called the Aspiration Zero Credit Card, but they are no longer accepting new applications. Now, this bank’s only individual solution is the Spend & Save account, a rewards-earning checking account with a debit card.
Best debit card for eco-friendly spending: FutureCard Visa Debit Card
Pros
No monthly fees or annual fee
6% cash back on eligible purchases at FuturePartners
5% cash back on “climate-smart spending” purchases such as EV charging, bikes and scooters, public transit, etc.
Cons
Does not earn cash back on all purchases
Does not build credit
Features
See your climate impact using your FutureScore
Complete missions to earn FutureCoins
The FutureCard Visa Debit Card earns rewards based on your spending habits. The more eco-friendly your purchases, the more you’ll earn.
With this card, you’ll get points for “climate-smart spending.” This is defined as purchases with a lower carbon footprint, and examples include electric vehicle charging and secondhand items. There’s no cap on earnings but you won’t earn cash back on all purchases.
This card is also unique because it provides you with a summary of your impact in the form of a FutureScore. The app then gives you suggestions for living more sustainably and pays FutureCoins, which can be redeemed for cash, when you complete Missions. Look out for promotions and bonus days to earn even more cash back on your purchases.
Learn more.
Best business credit card for nonprofits: Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card
Pros
No annual fee
Discounts and rebates on business spending
Cons
Does not earn rewards
Features
Mastercard Zero Liability protection
If you own or work for a nonprofit and are looking for a business credit card, look no further than the Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card. This business card is exclusively for nonprofits and works with over 2,000 nonprofits to meet their spending and financing needs.
This card doesn’t charge an annual fee and offers service benefits specifically geared toward not-for-profit rather than for-profit institutions. These include expert guidance from the support team and dedicated representatives.
The Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card is ideal for nonprofits with less credit to work with, especially newer and growing organizations.
Learn more.
What is an eco-friendly credit card?
An eco-friendly credit card or green credit card has a positive environmental impact.
There isn’t one single type of eco-friendly credit card, as the term “green” looks a little different to everyone, but the point is that they’re better for the planet. There are also green and eco-friendly debit cards.
A card might be green if it:
Has a smaller carbon footprint than the average card
Rewards you for eco-friendly spending
Donates to environmental nonprofits
Plants trees with each transaction
These are just a few examples.
There are also cards that have a more general positive impact. For example, they might support socially responsible missions such as fair labor and equal housing. These can benefit the planet but might also benefit other causes as well. The Rewards Platinum Visa® from Green America is a good example of this.
Pros and cons of greener cards
Green credit and debit cards aren’t for everyone, but for some might be just what they’ve been looking for. Here are a few of the main pros and cons to consider with this type of product.
Pros
Eco-friendly cards offer many benefits for people with environmental — or financial — goals.
Some allow you to donate to charities without using money out of your own pocket, and these donations could be tax deductible. The best ones even let you choose the charity.
Others incentivize you to be more eco-friendly in your spending habits by handing you the most rewards points for green purchases. This could help you live more sustainably.
And a few have their own unique benefits, like Aspiration’s tree-planting with transactions.
Many of these cards earn some sort of rewards for spending, with several offering flat rates on everything. And a handful also have everyday perks like purchase protection and discounts too.
Cons
While greener cards offer benefits like lowering your impact and motivating yourself to make more sustainable choices, they do require you to compromise in some areas.
When it comes to rewards you actually earn, most of these cards just aren’t as competitive as others. The highest rate we’ve seen for green credit cards is 1.5% cash back, and this is the lowest base rate for many of the best rewards cards out there. And you might not have a lot of flexibility in how you redeem these rewards with an eco-friendly card.
These cards also don’t have as much going for them in the perks department. They have leaner travel benefits, if any at all, and very few free features.
Sure, the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping the planet is rewarding, but it might not help you save money and isn’t as flashy as what other cards offer.
Who are eco-friendly credit cards and debit cards best for?
If your spending habits make sense for one of these cards and you’re willing to compromise on rewards some in order to do good with your dollars, an eco-friendly card could be right for you.
You might decide to go green with your card because you don’t want to support big banks with harmful practices that hurt the planet, people, or both. For example, many major card issuers are responsible for enormous carbon footprints and lend money to fossil fuel companies.
Some are also involved in scandals, wrapped up in politics, and sneaky about where they spend money. It’s not a good look.
If you want to be part of something different, these cards are just one way to do that.
Read more: What is public banking?
Who are eco-friendly credit cards and debit cards not ideal for?
Don’t go for a green credit card or socially responsible card if your number one priority is earning the most rewards. These cards have lower payouts than others, fewer options for redemption, and often less earning flexibility.
Eco-friendly credit and debit cards are not yet on par with the rest of the options in the personal finance world. And until they have higher rewards rates and more benefits overall, they’re not likely to become mainstream any time soon.
Fortunately for those who want to help the planet but don’t want to sign up for one of these cards, there are other ways to spend more sustainably. This next section is for you.
What if you don’t want a green credit card?
If you don’t want to have to compromise on rewards — or you just don’t need a new card — but still want to make a positive impact, you can skip the card and do these things:
Click the link below for more ways to make your money green.
Read more: 12 easy ways to make your money green and protect our planet
Summary
There are many green credit and debit cards to choose from, each with its own benefits for your wallet and the environment. We’ve highlighted the best here, but even some of these leave a little to be desired when it comes to rewards earning, perks, and redemption.
But if this category catches on as consumers grow more conscious of their impact on the planet, more eco-friendly cards will be available and this space will become more competitive.
Best for cash back: Maximum Rewards® World Mastercard® by Amalgamated Bank
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
$30 bonus (30,000 points) when you spend $600 within the first three billing cycles
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
Cons
Higher variable APR on purchases and balance transfers after the introductory period
3% foreign transaction fee
Features
Travel insurance including
Amalgamated Bank supports a number of different causes from environmental sustainability to workers’ rights, and it’s union-owned to boot. Founded in 1923, it’s been rallying behind rallying people for over a century. It’s net-zero and run on renewable energy, pro-union, an ally to immigrants, and politically progressive.
But we’re here to talk about the credit card too. The Maximum Rewards® World Mastercard® is a rewards credit card that earns 1.5% rewards on all purchases. It’s got a great 12-month intro APR, a signup bonus, and good redemption flexibility — all without an annual fee.
Choose this option if you want to have your cake and eat it too (i.e. side with a bank that’s doing some good and still get a great flat-rate cash back card).
Learn more.
Best socially responsible card: Rewards Platinum Visa® from Green America
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited one point per dollar on all purchases
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
$150,000 in Travel Accident Insurance
Cons
1% foreign transaction fee
Features
Donates a portion of profits to charities
ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock
Maybe you’ve heard of Green America, the nonprofit working to combat climate change, promote ethical practices and corporate governance, fight for social justice, and more. Green America’s work covers a broad range of issues, and its credit card, the Rewards Platinum Visa®, supports these efforts with every transaction. And it earns unlimited points on everything.
This affinity card has a fairly competitive APR, doesn’t charge an annual fee, and has a few nice benefits like travel insurance and a lower foreign transaction fee. But it’s not perfect, and we wish it were more clear about how donations worked and where exactly they were going.
This is a good choice if you’re interested in socially responsible causes and giving back.
Learn more.
Best card for charitable donations: Charity Charge Card
Pros
No annual fee
Lower interest rate on purchases
Cons
Does not earn rewards
2% foreign transaction fee
Features
Donates 1% of all purchases to the charity of your choice
The Charity Charge Card automatically gives to charity every time you use it. Can your current card do that?
When you apply for this credit card, you get to choose the nonprofit you want your spending to automatically benefit. If a nonprofit is set up to receive credit card donations, it is likely available as an option. Bonus: your donations may qualify for charitable tax deductions, which can help the fact that you otherwise won’t earn rewards or cash back sting a little less.
Since donations are calculated as a percentage of spending, you’ll have a greater impact the more regularly you use this card. If you don’t want to miss out on rewards entirely, you could use this card for some of your spending that wouldn’t qualify for the best rates otherwise.
Learn more.
Read more: Want To Help But Can’t Give Cash? 10 Alternatives To Donating Money
Best secured credit card: Secured Mastercard® by Amalgamated Bank
Pros
Potential for a credit limit increase in as little as seven months after opening
Set your own credit line between $300 and $5,000
Potential to receive security deposit back in as little as 11 months with on-time payments
Cons
Does not earn rewards or cash back
$35 annual fee
3% foreign transaction fee
Features
Set your own limit and qualify for a credit limit increase
The Secured Mastercard® by Amalgamated Bank is a decent low-fee secured card for eco-conscious borrowers. It has a minimum limit of $300 and a maximum of $5,000, and your line is determined by your security deposit. This carries a modest annual fee (for a secured card) of $35 and fairly average interest rates, and it’s a little more flexible than the average competitor.
You may be eligible for a credit limit increase in as little as seven months after opening an account with responsible use and can get your deposit back in less than a year.
This is a good option for borrowers with little or poor credit, but you should only choose this if you couldn’t qualify for one of the others, as it doesn’t earn rewards and has higher fees.
Learn more.
Best for travel: Visa Signature Card (Climate Card) by Beneficial State Bank
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited one point per dollar on all purchases
Cons
1% foreign transaction fee
Features
Travel insurance and protection including: Travel & emergency assistance services, travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and roadside dispatch
Beneficial State Bank is a purpose-driven financial institution with an eco-friendly card for people who may want their spending to help out green charities and nonprofits.
The Climate Card is similar to the Rewards Platinum Visa by Green America in that it earns flat-rate rewards that can be donated to charity. But unlike the Green America card, the Climate Card has you choose what happens to your points. So if you want to donate them, you can. But if you want to instead redeem for cash or travel, that’s your prerogative too.
This is a good travel card because it has a 1% foreign transaction fee (compared to 1% or 2%) and comes with benefits like insurance and roadside dispatch. And because it lets you choose between keeping your points and donating them, it’s also one of the most flexible choices.
Learn more.
Best fee-free credit card (for people in Washington): Verity Signature Rewards Visa
Pros
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fee
1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
Cons
Only people in Washington state are eligible to join Verity Credit Union
Features
Signature Rewards Visa protection benefits including: extended warranty protection, emergency assistance travel services, accident insurance, and more
Credit cards without foreign transaction fees can be hard to come by, but this card makes it happen. The Signature Rewards Visa by Verity Credit Union charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, giving it a huge advantage over all the others on this list. But it has the huge disadvantage of being only available to people in the state of Washington.
Points can be redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, or purchases and there are no restrictions for earning. There’s also an intro APR offer of 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, making this comparable to many rewards cards on the market. If you do qualify to join Verity, consider it for this — especially if you’re on the fence about eco-friendly cards.
This is a good card from an admirable credit union, but it won’t be a fit for everyone (or most).
Learn more.
Best debit card for earning: Aspiration Spend and Save
Pros
Up to 10% cash back on eligible Conscience Coalition purchases
Earns up to 3.00% interest with qualifying debit activity
Cons
Monthly fees for the Plus Plan ($7.99 a month paid monthly or $5.99 a month paid annually)
Does not earn cash back on all purchases
Does not build credit
Features
$10 minimum deposit
Additional green benefits like carbon offsetting and planting trees with purchases
The Aspiration Spend & Save account offers a debit card that earns rewards like a credit card and comes with a whole host of eco-friendly benefits. There are two plans to choose from.
The base Aspiration plan uses a “pay what is fair” fee structure and the Aspiration Plus plan costs $5.99 or $7.99 a month depending on if you pay monthly or annually. The Aspiration plan pays up to 1.00% interest and up to 3% – 5% cash back while the Aspiration Plus plan pays up to 3.00% interest and 10% cash back on Conscience Coalition spending.
Both have features like early direct deposit and the ability to plant trees when you spend, but only the Aspiration Plus account includes additional automatic offsets and Purchase Assurance. If you decide this account is right for you, pick the Plus Plan to maximize benefits.
Read our full Aspiration review.
Aspiration Zero Credit Card
Aspiration used to offer a credit card called the Aspiration Zero Credit Card, but they are no longer accepting new applications. Now, this bank’s only individual solution is the Spend & Save account, a rewards-earning checking account with a debit card.
Best debit card for eco-friendly spending: FutureCard Visa Debit Card
Pros
No monthly fees or annual fee
6% cash back on eligible purchases at FuturePartners
5% cash back on “climate-smart spending” purchases such as EV charging, bikes and scooters, public transit, etc.
Cons
Does not earn cash back on all purchases
Does not build credit
Features
See your climate impact using your FutureScore
Complete missions to earn FutureCoins
The FutureCard Visa Debit Card earns rewards based on your spending habits. The more eco-friendly your purchases, the more you’ll earn.
With this card, you’ll get points for “climate-smart spending.” This is defined as purchases with a lower carbon footprint, and examples include electric vehicle charging and secondhand items. There’s no cap on earnings but you won’t earn cash back on all purchases.
This card is also unique because it provides you with a summary of your impact in the form of a FutureScore. The app then gives you suggestions for living more sustainably and pays FutureCoins, which can be redeemed for cash, when you complete Missions. Look out for promotions and bonus days to earn even more cash back on your purchases.
Learn more.
Best business credit card for nonprofits: Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card
Pros
No annual fee
Discounts and rebates on business spending
Cons
Does not earn rewards
Features
Mastercard Zero Liability protection
If you own or work for a nonprofit and are looking for a business credit card, look no further than the Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card. This business card is exclusively for nonprofits and works with over 2,000 nonprofits to meet their spending and financing needs.
This card doesn’t charge an annual fee and offers service benefits specifically geared toward not-for-profit rather than for-profit institutions. These include expert guidance from the support team and dedicated representatives.
The Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card is ideal for nonprofits with less credit to work with, especially newer and growing organizations.
Learn more.
🌳 What is an eco-friendly credit card?
An eco-friendly credit card or green credit card has a positive environmental impact.
There isn’t one single type of eco-friendly credit card, as the term “green” looks a little different to everyone, but the point is that they’re better for the planet. There are also green and eco-friendly debit cards.
A card might be green if it:
Has a smaller carbon footprint than the average card
Rewards you for eco-friendly spending
Donates to environmental nonprofits
Plants trees with each transaction
These are just a few examples.
There are also cards that have a more general positive impact. For example, they might support socially responsible missions such as fair labor and equal housing. These can benefit the planet but might also benefit other causes as well. The Rewards Platinum Visa® from Green America is a good example of this.
Pros and cons of greener cards
Green credit and debit cards aren’t for everyone, but for some might be just what they’ve been looking for. Here are a few of the main pros and cons to consider with this type of product.
👍 Pros
Eco-friendly cards offer many benefits for people with environmental — or financial — goals.
Some allow you to donate to charities without using money out of your own pocket, and these donations could be tax deductible. The best ones even let you choose the charity.
Others incentivize you to be more eco-friendly in your spending habits by handing you the most rewards points for green purchases. This could help you live more sustainably.
And a few have their own unique benefits, like Aspiration’s tree-planting with transactions.
Many of these cards earn some sort of rewards for spending, with several offering flat rates on everything. And a handful also have everyday perks like purchase protection and discounts too.
👎 Cons
While greener cards offer benefits like lowering your impact and motivating yourself to make more sustainable choices, they do require you to compromise in some areas.
When it comes to rewards you actually earn, most of these cards just aren’t as competitive as others. The highest rate we’ve seen for green credit cards is 1.5% cash back, and this is the lowest base rate for many of the best rewards cards out there. And you might not have a lot of flexibility in how you redeem these rewards with an eco-friendly card.
These cards also don’t have as much going for them in the perks department. They have leaner travel benefits, if any at all, and very few free features.
Sure, the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping the planet is rewarding, but it might not help you save money and isn’t as flashy as what other cards offer.
Who are eco-friendly credit cards and debit cards best for?
If your spending habits make sense for one of these cards and you’re willing to compromise on rewards some in order to do good with your dollars, an eco-friendly card could be right for you.
You might decide to go green with your card because you don’t want to support big banks with harmful practices that hurt the planet, people, or both. For example, many major card issuers are responsible for enormous carbon footprints and lend money to fossil fuel companies.
Some are also involved in scandals, wrapped up in politics, and sneaky about where they spend money. It’s not a good look.
If you want to be part of something different, these cards are just one way to do that.
Read more: What is public banking?
Who are eco-friendly credit cards and debit cards not ideal for?
Don’t go for a green credit card or socially responsible card if your number one priority is earning the most rewards. These cards have lower payouts than others, fewer options for redemption, and often less earning flexibility.
Eco-friendly credit and debit cards are not yet on par with the rest of the options in the personal finance world. And until they have higher rewards rates and more benefits overall, they’re not likely to become mainstream any time soon.
Fortunately for those who want to help the planet but don’t want to sign up for one of these cards, there are other ways to spend more sustainably. This next section is for you.
What if you don’t want a green credit card?
If you don’t want to have to compromise on rewards — or you just don’t need a new card — but still want to make a positive impact, you can skip the card and do these things:
Click the link below for more ways to make your money green.
Read more: 12 easy ways to make your money green and protect our planet
Summary
There are many green credit and debit cards to choose from, each with its own benefits for your wallet and the environment. We’ve highlighted the best here, but even some of these leave a little to be desired when it comes to rewards earning, perks, and redemption.
But if this category catches on as consumers grow more conscious of their impact on the planet, more eco-friendly cards will be available and this space will become more competitive.
Buying to open is when you purchase a new options contract and assume either a long or short position. Conversely, buying to close is when you purchase an existing options contract that matches a contract you sold. In doing so ⦠Continue reading â
The post Buy to Open vs. Buy to Close: Investment Guide appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
