Why Build Green

Benfits of Green Building

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Appliances, insulation, windows and heating systems are designed to work together – and to lower your utility bills.

WATER EFFICIENCY
A green home is designed to conserve water – inside and out.

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
Recycled materials,waste management, and durable construction.

LOT AND SITE DEVELOPMENT
A light footprint on the earth, too.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Proper ventilation and products that don’t “off-gas”

HOMEOWNER EDUCATION
Knowing how to operate and maintain your green home is as critical as getting it built right. With a well-built and well-maintained home, you can reap the green benefits: your family’s comfort and your home’s value.

What is “NAHBGreen” certification?
NAHBGreen is a certification program from the National Association of Home Builders that allows home buyers to easily locate homes that have been built to nationally recognized green building criteria. Since many of the processes and technologies that go into a green home happen behind the scenes and behind the walls,
the NAHBGreen certification mark is an important identifier for buyers seeking more environmentally responsible homes. NAHBGreen certification means, for example, that a bronze-level green home in Seattle is at least as energy efficient as a bronze home in Savannah and a bronze home in St. Louis. It doesn’t mean that they have the same features or that they even look the same. It does mean that they all meet a
minimum, nationally recognized level of performance.

Why should I buy or build an NAHBGreen certified home?
Potential benefits can include lower operating costs, reduced maintenance needs, and lifestyle and health improvements. The renewable, recycled, and more efficient building products used in green home construction can help to reduce a home’s impact on the environment and natural resources. NAHBGreen certified homes are inspected by trained experts and have the backing of an accredited certification agent, the NAHB Research Center. Additionally, NAHBGreen homes are scored to the market-tested NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and to the 2008 National Green Building Standardtm, the foremost green rating system for residential construction in the United States.

Green Living

To keep green homes green, and further minimize environmental impact, homeowners can make simple changes, such as choosing a compact fluorescent light bulb over a standard incandescent, that can add up to substantial savings. These links detail green living tips and strategies for within your home and beyond.

Treehugger.com features an extensive collection of How to Green guides, including home topics such as lighting, electricity, heating, and others such as coffee & tea, meals, your car, and more.
Good Housekeeping article features easy tips for your house and home.
National Geographic offers Going Green guides and articles for your home, community, work, and school.
BuildingGreen.com features an extensive directory of green building products. The site is aimed at builders, but homeowners may find the listings and guides helpful when choosing items such as appliances, carpet, paint, and other home goods.
GreenHome.com and BuyGreen.com are online stores that feature a large range of green products, from dog feeders to car wash.