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There are many different nationwide programs for building energy-efficiently, as well as environmentally responsible, and the include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Energy Star Homes, NAHB Green Building program, and many various others. A description of each as well as links to their respective websites is listed below.
ENERGY STAR HOMES
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.
THERE ARE THREE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION
- Proper Air-sealing and Insulation, especially foundations
- Proper sizing of HVAC equipment and sealing ductwork
- Passing a THERMAL BY-PASS CHECK, AIR-LEAKAGE TEST with a blower-door, and a DUCT LEAKAGE TEST with a duct-blaster
For more information on the certification process, call Eric at 502-216-2731.
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With homebuyers increasingly interested in green building, energy efficiency is the place to start. That's because the energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and risks of global warming. So, the less energy used, the less air pollution generated. And the easy way to make sure a new home is energy efficient is to look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. Learn more about how Green Begins with ENERGY STAR Blue  (130KB).
Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has been verified to meet EPA's guidelines, including: single family, attached, and low-rise multi-family homes; manufactured homes; systems-built homes (e.g., SIP, ICF, or modular construction); log homes, concrete homes; and even existing retrofitted homes.
ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of 'tried-and-true' energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution:
1. Effective Insulation
Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. Learn more about Properly Installed Insulation (149KB).
2. High-Performance Windows
Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Learn more about Qualified Windows (212KB).
3. Tight Construction and Ducts
Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance. Learn more about Efficient Duct Systems (163KB).
4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. Learn more about:
5. Efficient Products
ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified products:
6. Third-Party Verification
With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing details. Learn more about Independent Inspection and Testing (182KB).
 Take a tour behind the walls of an ENERGY STAR qualified home
LEARN MORE ABOUT ENERGY STAR HOMES BY VISITING THEIR WEBSITE HERE.
LEED - HOMES & COMMERCIAL
What is LEED®?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Click HERE to visit the US Green Building Council's official LEED website.
NAHB GREEN BUILDING
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According to the National Association of Home Builders' Green Building website:
Green homes incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process to minimize environmental impact. The design, construction, and operation of a home must focus on energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, and must take the home's overall impact on the environment into account. However, many of the processes and technologies that go into a green home happen behind the scenes and behind the walls. What can a homebuyer look for?
Look for an NAHB Research Center Certified certificate, the homeowner's guarantee that the home was built according to one of the levels of green outlined in the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. The NAHB Research Center is the sole certifier recognized by NAHB’s National Green Building Program.
Energy-Efficient Features
Many of the energy-efficient qualities of a green home are easy to spot. Appliances, windows, and water heating systems will likely haveENERGY STAR® ratings. The home should also include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water heating systems, further decrease the overall energy consumption within the home.
Water-Efficient Features
Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water. Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water.
Resource-Efficient Features
These decisions—from home size, to orientation on the lot, to floor plan layout—are made in the design of your home and development of the lot. The house orientation and design should take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs, and should use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The home should contain renewable materials, including rapidly-renewable wood species such as bamboo, and recycled-content materials in carpets, tiles, and concrete formulations.
Indoor Air Quality Features
The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) must be appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes and wall papers should be used as well.
Outside the Home
In a green home, care should be taken to preserve trees and other vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs. Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems.
Lower Operating Costs
The technologies and practices required to build a green home typically result in lower cost to operate the home. Energy-efficient appliances, lighting systems, and HVAC equipment result in lower electricity bills. Using less water through water-conserving faucets, showers, toilets, and irrigation systems result in lower water bills. Properly sized HVAC systems mean that less energy is needed to condition spaces. Employing technologies such as photovoltaic panels for solar electricity and water heating, and geothermal heat exchangers can further reduce dependence on public utilities. Over time, these savings can really add up.
Reduced Maintenance Needs
The whole-house approach to green building means that the systems used within the home work efficiently and effectively together, resulting in less upkeep and maintenance chores for homeowners. Effective stormwater management and landscaping means less time maintaining outside spaces. Also, green building practices mean a more durably constructed home. Drained foundations, water spouts on gutters, and flashing around windows and doors reduce the opportunity for system failure within the home due to moisture intrusion.
Healthy, Comfortable Living Spaces
Indoor air quality is one of the guiding principles of the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. Homes are well ventilated to allow for proper air exchange, and low-emitting products like low- or no-VOC paints reduce health risks from off-gassing. Further, green building practices are targeted at reducing the opportunity for moisture intrusion, so there are fewer issues with mold. The efficient HVAC systems, windows, and floor plans also mean that heating and cooling is better distributed throughout the home, resulting in more comfortable indoor environments.
Environmental Benefits
Increased energy and water efficiency means that fewer resources are used within the home throughout its lifespan. Further, the renewable, recycled, and other efficient building products used in green home construction reduce the impact on natural resources. Also, construction of green homes includes resource management and waste reduction practices.
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