Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

Written by Penny Hull, Stanton Homes

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.  Today we'll talk about Section 5 – Indoor Environmental Quality.   Read more here about Lot Preparation, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, and Water Efficiency. 

Section 5 of 7 Green Building Guidelines - Indoor Environmental Quality

A certified green home is different.  Indoor environmental quality is improved by builders who carefully follow these green building guidelines to:

Minimize potential sources of pollutants.

Manage potential pollutants generated in the home.

Manage moisture in the home from vapor, rainwater, plumbing, and HVAC systems

Offer innovative options

Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification in most third party programs:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

No matter what individual features are chosen, a certified green home has an integrated and comprehensive approach, and incorporates features not found in standard homes  

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

Fireplaces

Either no fireplace, or a carefully sealed fireplace will help indoor air quality.  If there is a fireplace, it's probably a direct-vent, sealed-combustion gas fireplace, sealed wood fireplace, or sealed woodstove.

Sealing Between Garage and Living Areas

The door between the garage and living spaces should be tightly sealed, plus additional sealing should be used on any walls shared with a garage. 

"Green Label" Carpeting

Carpet, carpet pad, and floor covering adhesives noted as "Green Label" by the Carpet and Rug Institutes indoor air quality testing program or equivalent thresholds can help indoor air quality.

Kitchen Venting

The kitchen range should be vented to the outside.

MERV 9 Filters

Installing MERV 9 filters on central air or ventilation systems can also improve indoor air quality.

Moisture Resistant Materials

Installing moisture resistant backerboard behind showers and tubs can cut down moisture retention and possible mold.

Sealed Crawl Space

A sealed crawl space helps prevent moisture problems. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Installing carbon monoxide detectors near all combustion appliances or areas can offer an additional sense of security.  

Other Options Available

Of course you can add other features as your desires and budget see fit!  Innovative options can include a central vacuum system, a detached garage in place of an attached garage, a sealed attic, carpet nap less than .5 inches, or an upgraded HEPA air filtration system. 

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 32 points in the Indoor Environmental Air category. Silver and Gold certification requires additional points.   There are dozens of different ways that points can be earned in the air quality category, using a variety of different features. 

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  makes the indoor environment better in this home. 

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.