Green Builders Raleigh NC

Green Building Certification - Resource Efficiency

Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

There are many different reasons to purchase a green home. 

- Lower energy bills

- Less carbon footprint

- Healthier indoor air

- Reduced warranty claims

- Improved durability and less maintanence

- Better resale

A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited.  Today we'll talk about Section 2.

Section 2 - Resource Efficiency

Green design principles for resource efficiency might include using fewer materials, using more durable materials, reducing waste, resusing materials, using recycled or renewable materials, or recycling waste materials.

Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area:  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 onsite 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

In the Raleigh area, varieties of hardwood and softwood are harvested within 300 miles.  This can be a great local material. 

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for this new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories.  Bronze level certification requires 12 points in the Lot Design, Preparation, and Development category.

The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner.  There are over 40 ways to earn points in this category alone. 

Silver and Gold certification requires additional points. 

You may also be interested in:

Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas