A greenhouse is basically a structure that is designed taking into account growing plants. Some of the common certifications or labels being bandied about by home builders these days are:
- Energy Star Certified
- Northwest Energy Star Certified
- Earth Advantage Certifie
Few homes consists of Energy Star features, but are not certified completely and majority of the individuals working on these homes are Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Allies. Feature wise, these homes are constructed with Structural Insulated Panels and Insulated Concrete Forms.
These structures are then measured on the basis of factors like Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, Air Changes per Hour, Modified Energy Factor and the complete Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
The so-called “blower door test” is a good method for the rating of homes. It is normally conducted by Residential Energy Services Network personnel with the help of Home Energy Rating System.
Benefits of making your home energy efficient
It’s not much of a surprise that many people are not aware about green building (yet). Mostly, people are not aware of the significant benefits of building green. If you own a green home, you can avail benefits like:
- Plenty of savings on monthly utility bills
- State will give you energy rebates
- State and federal governments are going to give you tax credits
- Utilities and appliance manufacturers are going to offer you rebate
- Not much emission that can pollute the air you breathe
- Not much toxic materials, which is quite a good sign for healthier home
- Great comfort level
Few green homes play a pivotal role in qualifying buyers for higher mortgages. This happens due to their projected energy savings, which is added onto the income of buyers.
By understanding all kinds of certifications, you can get to know how many benefits you can avail from your home.
Energy Star Certified
As homeowner, Energy Star certified home will save you around 15 percent on energy use in comparison to a conventional code-built home. Builders, on their part, can combine wide array of choices in order to meet the certification objectives. This includes, upgrading windows, doors, insulation, lighting, household and heating appliances, air conditioners, and duct work. Homes need to pass number of tests and inspection before getting Energy Star status.
Northwest Energy Star Certified
Basically associated to the regular Energy Star certification, the Northwest program offers preset instructions for homes that are situated in the Pacific Northwest climate zone. In terms of features, these homes are 15 to 30 percent more efficient as compared to normal homes. Another good thing about these homes is that they are among the most energy efficient houses in the country
The main objectives of the program is to give builders support with the help of education, technical specifications, marketing help, consumer education, Realtor education, and financial incentives to promote more homes being developed to Energy Star standards in the region.
Earth Advantage Certified
This program takes a more holistic view of housing choices. Another significant thing to note about this program is that apart from specifying a minimum of 15% more efficiency for homes, it also addresses indoor air quality, environmental responsibility, and resource efficiency.
Feature wise, these homes consists of air filtration systems, low-toxic building materials, recycled lumber and products that are created from recycled materials, native plants in the landscape for lower water use, renewable resources, passive and active solar energy systems. Earth Advantage offers support to builders with the help of education, advice, and presentations regarding number of choices to develop a more comfortable home.
In terms of statistics, more than 80% of consumers are willing to pay higher prices so that they can get the green-built housing features. There is no doubt that the technology is mature and interest is pretty high amongst consumers and building professionals. Builders that are dealing with green housing construction love their job but they are facing problems when it comes to getting an upfront fee from customers.
