By Penny Hull from Stanton Homes
Why Should I Buy a Green Home?
If you’re considering purchasing a new home, you’ll want to think about all the different aspects of that home. 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 2 - Resource Efficiency
Green design principles for resource efficiency might include using fewer materials, using more durable materials, reducing waste, reusing materials, using recycled or renewable materials, or recycling waste materials.
Most green home certification programs have three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:
More Efficient Framing
- Non traditional framing methods include ladder blocking, eliminating headers in non-load bearing walls, and two-stud corner framing.
Detailed Materials Take Off
- Materials are very carefully ordered to eliminate waste, and an on-site list of cut lengths is used to "cut down" on incorrect lengths.
Non-Painted Windows
- Windows are vinyl or other material that does not require paint or stain on site.
Truss Systems
- Floor or roof framing packages are truss systems, ie premanufactured at another site and brought to jobsite for completion.
Covered Entry
- Providing a covered entry keeps sunlight and water from touching the door, reducing requirements for repainting and resealing around doors.
Install Perimeter Drain
- A perimeter drain around the crawlspace or basement can reduce water leakage.
Recycle Waste
- Space will be dedicated to sorting waste materials for recycling. Cardboard and many other waste materials can be recycled.
At this and other levels of Green Building you may also see:
Recycled Content Materials
Clay brick, fiberglass insulation, carpeting, and other materials can have recycled content.
Use Renewable Materials
Carefully check manufacturer claims. Bamboo is renewable, but shouldn't have glues or finishes that don't meet environmental requirements.
Use Locally Available, Indigenous Materials
Materials that are harvested locally and transported to the job site from less than 300 miles away are considered indigenous materials. In some areas, this could include anything from redwood, oak, riverwood, cedar, or other types of lumber. In contrast, bamboo can sometimes travel several thousand miles to reach its final destination!
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 44 points in the Resource Efficiency category. Silver and Gold certification requires additional points.
Resource Efficiency is an Important Part of Green Home Certification
This is the second most heavily weighted category –only Energy Efficiency requires more points. Makes sense, since a better use of natural and man-made resources reduces pollution, reduces landfill waste, reduces greenhouse gases, and increases the availability of resources for others!
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.