Green Homes

What is a Green Home?

Green building means improving the way that homes and homebuilding sites use

energy, water, and materials to reduce impacts on human health and the

environment. We make decisions throughout the building process that will

minimize the environmental impact of the home while it is being built and over

the many years it will be lived in.

A Green Home starts with Energy Star.

Energy Star qualified homes are independently verified to meet strict guidelines

for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What features are in Energy Star qualified homes?

• An Efficient Home Envelope, with effective levels of wall, floor, and attic

insulation properly installed, comprehensive air barrier details, and highperformance

windows;

• Efficient Air Distribution, where ducts are installed with minimum air

leakage;

• Efficient Equipment for heating, cooling, and water heating;

• Efficient Lighting, including fixtures that earn the Energy Star label, and

• Efficient Appliances, including Energy Star qualified dishwashers,

refrigerators, and clothes washers.

What should homebuyers look for in a Green Home?

Through Energy Star qualified homes, homebuyers can address two critical

green home elements – Energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Then, look to

the NAHB Green Certification to complete the picture with water-efficient

products, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable land development

practices.

How do homebuyers know if a home is Green?

Ask for documentation! Green homes are independently verified and

documented. Energy Star qualified homes provides homebuyers with a detailed

document which includes a HERS Rating. The lower the number on the rating,

the more energy efficient the home. A home built to code starts at 100. Energy

Star starts at 85. Also look in the breaker box for the Energy Star label.

Why should you buy a Green Home?

Peace-of-Mind for making a Smart Purchase. Homebuyers can have peace-ofmind

by looking for the Energy Star label. This certification assures homebuyers

that the home has been verified by an independent Home Energy Rater to be

truly energy efficient. Energy Star qualified homes can also contribute to

improved home durability and homeowner comfort.

Climate-Specific Recommendations. For a home to be energy efficient, it must

be designed for regional weather characteristics. Home Energy Raters are

trained in climate-effective energy saving techniques, and their knowledge and

field experience helps Energy Star builders construct high-quality, energy

efficient homes.

Additional Inspections for Quality. Homes that earn the Energy Star undergo

more inspections and testing than code-built homes. The Energy Star

verification process helps indentify and correct mistakes before they are hidden

behind walls and holds builders constructing Energy Star qualified homes to a

higher standard.

Each Energy Star Qualified Home can keep 4,500 lbs. of green

house gases out of our air each year. And because homes have

such long life-spans, this environmental benefit lasts for many,

many years!