Green Building Programs for Projects of Any Size
Go forward by doing your environmental certification homework
By Andrew Hunt, FrontDoor.com | Published: 3/27/2008
Based in the Pacific Northwest, Earth Advantage has developed a comprehensive green building strategy that involves a six-step process to guide builders through the construction and certification of an environmentally responsible home:
- Plan review with an Earth Advantage specialist to review building plans.
- Determining materials and methods of construction to achieve energy-efficient goals while staying within budget.
- Ongoing consultation and educational support with builder and trades to provide technical support while the home is under construction.
- Periodic walk-throughs during the construction process to make sure installation of materials and appliances follows the guidelines.
- Performance testing during each critical stage of construction, including a forced-air system test to rate the air loss levels in ducts and an end-of-construction blower-door test.
- Certification of the home if the standards are met.
Earth Advantage offers the builder and the new homeowner a certificate of validation that signifies the home was built to the program's standards.
More Green Building Programs:
NAHB Model Green Building Guidelines
LEED for Homes
Energy Star Qualified New Homes
EarthCraft House New Homes
Austin Energy's Residential Green Building Programs
Keywords: energy efficient, ratings, green, Energy Star, Earth Craft, LEED, Austin Energy, home, construction, builders, eco-friendly
