There is no doubt about it. Green is hot! It's everywhere! But, with respect to housing, what's the difference in "Green Verified" and "Green Certified"?
If you talk to 10 different people you'll most likely get 10 different answers to the "What does green mean?" question.
Everything from "Yes, we've gone green at my office, we've started buying recycled copy paper!" to "Green?, sure I bought one of GM's new SUVs, they're environmentally friendly. Don't you see how the commercials place their vehicles in a forest setting?" Actually, (according to www.greenwashing.com) General Motors is a member of the Coalition of Vehicle Choice, an organization that opposes clean air legislation and laws directed at reducing auto emissions.
So, when you purchase a home and the builder makes a green declaration how can you tell if he's done the right thing or just blowing smoke to ride a wave of hype!?!
There are two basic types of Green Certification programs in America today. The builder or owner verified program and the unbiased 3rd party verification.
The NAHB Green Building Standard, LEED-H, Energy Star, Earth Craft and Green Built are some of the more promenant certifying bodies in the US. Certifications for green construction are awarded upon successfully adhereing to the particular specifications of their respective programs. Typically, points are awarded for specific energy or resource efficient principles that are followed. Other areas of note are water efficiency, indoor air quality and home owner education.
The verification process is typically an indepth technical visual inspection process that confirms program adherence and includes performance testing. This test is provided by highly trained "energy raters" who deterime, amoung other readings, how air tight the building is and how well the heating and air conditioning system operates.
For more info about green building contact me toll free 1-877-809-6139 or online at http://www.greenbuildinginspector.com.
Find Green Verified Homes in America and Canada at http://www.greenverifiedhomes.com
Home Inspections in Central Mississippi at http://www.garynsmith.net
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