Green Builders Raleigh NC

Green Building Certification - Water 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 4 - Water Efficiency & Quality.   Read more here about the other graded categories, like: Lot Preparation, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, and Indoor Quality.

Section 4 Green Building Guidelines - Water Efficiency & Quality

A Green Home in the Raleigh/Triangle Area might include green features to support water efficiency & quality, like:

- On demand water heaters

- Specially planned water heaters with minimum pipe length to point of service

- ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines

- Water efficient showerheads with flow rated less than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm)

- Ultra low flow toilets

- Low volume, non-spray irrigation systems

- Weather-based irrigation controls

- Rainwater collection - How to Video

- Greywater systems  

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 water-saving features like these:

ENERGY STAR Appliances

You should see a water-conserving dishwasher in the kitchen.  These models use approximately 40% less water than a conventional dishwasher.  An ENERGY STAR dishwasher can be chosen by the homeowner or builder, and comes in a variety of styles and colors. 

Water-Efficient Showerheads

Use less water in every shower by installing a low flow showerhead.  There are quite a variety of models available, ranging from entry-level to luxury, that offer a flow of 2.5 gallons per minute or less, without sacrificing the quality of your shower. 

Water-Efficient Sinks

An aerator installed at a sink faucet can reduce water waste during common activities.  These aerators must restrict the flow to less than 2.2 gallons per minute.  They can be installed into almost any faucet.

Of course you can add other features as your desires and budget see fit!

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 9 points in the Water 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 Lot?

Chatham County New Homes - Communities, Lots, and Land

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Available Land and Lots in New Home Communities

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.