By Penny Hull of Stanton Homes.

Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

There are many different reasons to purchase a green home. 

- Lower energy bills

- Less carbon footprint

- Healthier indoor air

- Reduced warranty claims

- Improved durability and less maintenance

- Better resale

A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited. 

Section 1 - Lot Design, Preparation, and Development

Resource-efficient site design and development practices help reduce environmental impacts.   Green design principles might include saving trees, constructing onsite storm water retention/infiltration features, and orienting the home for maximum passive solar heating and cooling.

Most green home certification programs have three levels:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:

Certified Green Training

- The builder team has been carefully trained to uphold green principles throughout the building process.

Protected Home Sites

- Limits of clearing and grading carefully marked on site plan

- Areas to be cleared and graded in preparation for building home are clearly marked on site with flags, etc.

Natural Vegetation

- Turf grass and other vegetation are selected that are native or regionally appropriate, particularly drought-resistant species.

Hydrozoning

- Plants with similar watering needs are grouped together.

Control Erosion

- Sediment and erosion controls must be installed and maintained.

Limit Impact on Land

- Disturbed areas must be stabilized within a 14 day period.

Share Driveways or Parking

- A shared driveway for two homes can minimize impact on both homeowners’ land.

Optimize Solar Resources

- Solar resources can be optimized by placing the long side of the home within 30 degrees of due south. 

There are many other options – over 40 ways to earn green points in this category alone!  Your budget and priorities will determine which features best fit your new green home.

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for a new home to be "certified green" through the National Association of Home Builder’s Green Building Program, a total of 237 points must be earned across 7 categories.  Bronze level certification requires at least 8 points in the Lot Design, Preparation, and Development category.

Silver and Gold certification requires additional points. 

Green Home Building and Buying Options Vary

As you can see, the types of green homes available vary quite a bit, and the combinations of green features can be almost endless. If you’re purchasing a green-built home, ask to see the certification, and find out exactly what features are included. 

With hundreds of "green" options available across seven different categories, you can design and build a green home that incorporates everything most important to you. Work with a local builder who is experienced in green building, in conjunction with a recognized green home certifier. 

Find out more about Stanton Homes here.