Green Builders Raleigh NC

Green Building Certification - Energy 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 3 - Energy Efficiency.   Read more here about Lot Preparation and Resource Efficiency.

Section 3 Green Building Guidelines - Energy Efficiency

A Green Home in the Raleigh NC area might include specially sized heating and cooling equipment, improved air sealing, Energy Star rated windows, sealed ducts, return ducts in all main rooms, bathroom fans vented to the exterior, a sealed crawlspace, and of course, Energy Star Certification.   

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.

No matter what individual features are chosen, a certified green home has an integrated and comprehensive approach to energy-efficient design of building site, building envelope, and mechanical space conditioning systems. 

For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:

ENERGY STAR Rated Windows

A double-paned window with low-E coating will reduce energy loss from the home.

Select Heating and Cooling Equipment

The HVAC contractor will carefully size the heating and cooling equipment specifically for the size and layout of the home, using an ACCA Manual S calculation. 

Seal Ducts, Plenums, and Equipment

Leaking ducts can reduce efficiency of a forced air system by as much as 30%.  All ductwork and connections are sealed with foil tape or mastic to reduce air leakage. 

Install Return Ducts or Transfer Grilles

These return ducts or transfer grilles help prevent pressure imbalances that can occur when doors are closed, which can help prevent air leakage to the outdoors, or prevent air from being drawn in from the outdoors.  Baths, kitchens, closets, pantries, and laundry rooms are exempt. 

Install Bath Vents

ENERGY STAR labeled mechanical exhaust fans can be installed in each bathroom and vented to the outside.  These fans are quieter and more energy efficient, and help local removal of moisture and humidity. 

Energy Efficient Water Heater

The water heater installed should meet a minimum energy efficiency rating.  Of course, a tankless water heater is another option! 

Install Motion Sensors

Outdoor lighting becomes more energy efficient when motion sensors are used.

ENERGY STAR Rating

ENERGY STAR is always the first step towards a more energy efficient home, and contributes towards green building certification as well.  Find out more about ENERGY STAR here. 

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for a 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 37 points in the Energy Efficiency category.

The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner.  There are over 100 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?

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