By Penny Hull from Stanton Homes

Why Should I Choose a Green Home?

If you’re considering purchasing a new home, there’s more to think about than just the color of the tile and the kind of kitchen countertop. Your new home becomes part of your legacy, and impacts the community around you. The quality of the home, the use of resources, and the impact on the environment (both indoors and outdoors) should all factor in to your decision. A certified green home offers:

• 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. 

Green Building Certification Section 3 - Energy Efficiency

Not surprisingly, energy efficiency is the most heavily weighted of any of the seven Green Home Certification categories! We’ll talk more about that in a moment. First, what exactly does a Green Home include that makes it more energy efficient?

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

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

Energy Star Certification

- The Energy Star Certification program is administered by third party organizations – not builders. Your home will save 15-20% on energy costs over a standard home.

HVAC Equipment

- The heating and cooling equipment will be carefully selected, and sized correctly for the home.

Sealing, sealing, and more sealing

- Ducts, plenums, and heating and cooling equipment are carefully sealed.

Energy Efficient Water Heaters

- Your new green home might have a tankless water heater, or other form of water heater shown to be more energy efficient.

Light When You Need It

- Outdoor lighting is activated by motion sensors, which cuts down on unnecessary usage.

 Looking for the Next Level?

A Silver or Gold level green home will contain heftier levels of energy saving materials and equipment – though of course you can incorporate these on a select level, depending on your budget and desires, into a Bronze Level Green Home.

• Renewable Energy/Solar Heating and Cooling
• Solar Water Heating
• ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Packages
• Tubular Skylights
• Design Overhangs to Provide Shading
• Purchase Green Power from Local Utilities

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 80 points in the Energy Efficiency category. Silver and Gold certification requires additional points.  

Thus Energy Efficiency accounts for 1/3 of the total score of a Certified Green Home! Cutting energy usage reduces dependence on natural resources – and it sure helps those monthly bills, too.

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.