Certifications, Ratings & Labels

Green Programs for Green Building

By Patricia Belser

There are nearly 50 regional and national green home labeling programs around the country. While each program approaches green building a little differently, each incorporates important elements such as:

• Energy-efficient construction techniques and products.
  
• Improved indoor environments through environmentally preferable materials and building practices.
  
• Water-efficient products and processes.
  
• Renewable energy options, when feasible.
  
• Waste reduction and recycling during the construction process.
  
• Smart growth and sustainable land development practices.

The label given by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to appliances and products that exceed federal energy efficiency standards. This label helps consumers identify products that will save energy and money. ENERGY STAR - labeled appliances often exceed the efficiency levels of other new products. www.energystar.gov

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, makes it easy for Americans to save water and protect the environment. www.epa.gov/watersense

New Homes that are Indoor airPLUS qualified meet U.S. Environmental Protection Adgency guidelines for improved indoor air quality. www.epa.gov/indoorairplus

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home. www.usgbc.org

LEED Certification - Different LEED versions have varied scoring systems based on a set of required “prerequisites” and a variety of “credits” in the six major categories.

NAHB Introduces Certified Green Professional Designation - A new professional designation program from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will soon provide home buyers with additional assurance that the builder or remodeler they’ve chosen is authentically “green.”

Builders, remodelers, and other industry professionals must have at least two years of building industry experience and be involved in the construction of at least one home in the past 24 months to apply for the Certified Green Professional designation. www.nahbgreen.org