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FreeGreen took a long hard look at the computer industry's Open Source model, and decided that it could also work for house plans.  Open Source software, like OpenOffice, allows anyone to download and use the software for free.  It then goes one step further and allows anyone to download the program code, the source code, and modify it in any way they wish.  This is exactly what FreeGreen is proposing:  you can download their plans, and then modify them to your own needs, for free.

You can browse all the plans on the FreeGreen's virtual tour, choose the house-style, and preview the suggested materials used to make it.  The site is very interactive, so you can easily spend all day nosing around your new home, or just find some great ideas for updating your existing home.  We particularly liked the environmental and energy saving information the site gives for each product they promote: just click on any feature and the site tells you about it, even for the Organic Bath Towels.

Dave Wax, FreeGreen's CEO, explained how FreeGreen works:
"FreeGreen is a site dedicated to giving away expertly designed green house plans.  To do so we have created a unique business model in which we offer free, downloadable, buildable energy efficient and healthy home plans to everyone.  Our revenue comes from the green product vendors that we specify into the plans (via an advertising and lead generation model).  For each product that we specify we list all of their green and other features (great or just good)."

Having just launched, the number of plans is currently limited, but they are planning to create plans to suit all budgets.  The only draw-back for the UK market, is that FreeGreen is intended for the American market, with American sourced products and plans for American housing regulations; but don't let that stop you having a look.  We look forward to a British version.