Green Builders Raleigh NC
Green Building Certification - Indoor Environmental Quality
Breathing Better Air in Your New Raleigh NC Home
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 Lot Preparation, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, and Water Efficiency.
Section 5 of 7 Green Building Guidelines - Indoor Environmental Quality
A certified green home in the Raleigh NC area is different. Indoor environmental quality is improved by builders who carefully follow these green building guidelines to:
Minimize potential sources of pollutants.
Manage potential pollutants generated in the home.
Manage moisture in the home from vapor, rainwater, plumbing, and HVAC systems
Offer innovative options
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, and incorporates features not found in standard homes
For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:
Fireplaces
Either no fireplace, or a carefully sealed fireplace will help indoor air quality. If there is a fireplace, it's probably a direct-vent, sealed-combustion gas fireplace, sealed wood fireplace, or sealed woodstove.
Sealing Between Garage and Living Areas
The door between the garage and living spaces should be tightly sealed, plus additional sealing should be used on any walls shared with a garage.
"Green Label" Carpeting
Carpet, carpet pad, and floor covering adhesives noted as "Green Label" by the Carpet and Rug Institute's indoor air quality testing program or equivalent thresholds can help indoor air quality.
Kitchen Venting
The kitchen range should be vented to the outside.
MERV 9 Filters
Installing MERV 9 filters on central air or ventilation systems can also improve indoor air quality.
Moisture Resistant Materials
Installing moisture resistant backerboard behind showers and tubs can cut down moisture retention and possible mold.
Sealed Crawl Space
A sealed crawl space helps prevent moisture problems.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Installing carbon monoxide detectors near all combustion appliances or areas can offer an additional sense of security.
Other Options Available
Of course you can add other features as your desires and budget see fit! Innovative options can include a central vacuum system, a detached garage in place of an attached garage, a sealed attic, carpet nap less than .5 inches, or an upgraded HEPA air filtration system.
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 71 points in the Indoor Environmental Quality 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 these New Home Green Building Topics:
NC Green Home Builders – Pittsboro Green Homes
What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders
What Is Geothermal? Geothermal Heating and Cooling Information
How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget
WaterSense Toilets - How Much Water Do They Save, and How do They Work?
ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?
Ways to Save Water - Rainwater collection systems
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