Greenly labeled Southern California homes are averaging an increase in value of $34,800 says researchers from UC Berkeley and UCLA.

Now that is money you can take to the bank.

Read more below to find out what kind of improvements make the biggest impact. 

The study shows that when homes are listed for sale with the labels LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Point Rated and Energy Star they had an increase in value and had a direct correlation to its final sale price.

Green Point Rated is an independent organization that rates homes with green certification stamps of approval that you should definitely check out.

These improvements included being well-insulated and having energy effcient lighting. Other improvements people looked for were high-effciency toilets with dual flush, high recycled content insulation, energy effcient heating, cooling and ventilation systems also known as HVAC and also solar panels.

Now even if you don't plan on selling or buying any time soon, plans for your exisiting home should be ring bells on what to upgrade when you have some extra cash and would like to bring down the monthly energy bills and have the self satisfaction in being "green".

Updates on exising homes that homeowners can upgrade normally cost on average around the $10,000 range and it depends how green of a project you are wanting to invest in. Give us a call if you have any questions or would like a free quote or consultation on a project you are thinking of.

Read the Cited Article and Research [ Huffington Post ]