Despite this being a tough year for home builders, more than 75,000 new homes were designated Energy Star green properties in 2009.

These energy efficient properties accounted for nearly 17 percent of all new single-family homes, up from 12 percent in 2007.

Consumer acceptance has been outstanding, says Walter Cuculic of Pulte Homes, which has built 120,000 Energy Star homes.

Owners of existing homes also are spending money on things that make their homes more energy efficient. A survey by USA Today showed that 68 percent of those surveyed spent money this year on energy renovations – 68 percent to save money and 26 percent to save the environment.

Source: USA Today, Wendy Koch