Green Building Certifications For Home Improvement
Green building certifications are a great way for builders to differentiate themselves in the market. They provide guidelines that clearly state what needs to be done, and help standardize a market filled with green options. These programs also give a clear idea of what green standards are required for different buildings types, and offer third-party oversight to ensure that these criteria are met. Choosing the right green home certification for your next project will help you set yourself apart, and will benefit both the environment and the health of your clients. Read more https://www.hapahomebuyers.com/sell-your-house-fast-in-robertsdale-al/
Green homes are becoming increasingly popular, and the green building industry is constantly innovating to find ways to reduce a home’s impact on energy consumption, water use and air quality. However, with so many green home certifications out there, it can be difficult to choose which ones to pursue. The following are four green home certifications you may want to consider for your upcoming projects:
LEED Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is one of the most wellknown green building certifications. It offers a wide range of credits for green practices in construction, and has four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. LEED is a great choice for new construction and renovations, and it can be applied to all building types, from single-family and multi-family homes, to highrise apartments and office buildings.
ICC 700 National Green Building Standard
Developed by ASHRAE, IES and USGBC, the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard is a comprehensive green building rating system designed to meet the requirements of residential building codes, but provides room for innovation in practices specific to each region. It is a great choice for new construction and can be used in combination with LEED to achieve higher certification levels.
Energy Star
Energy Star is a program offered by the Department of Energy and the
Environmental Protection Agency that certifies new homes for their efficiency, with credits in the categories of air, water and energy use, as well as indoor environmental quality. It can be used for new construction and renovations, and the certification is valid for five years.
Water Sense is a program offered by the Environmental Protection Agency that focuses on reducing water use in a home through efficiency measures, such as the installation of low-flow showerheads, toilets and faucets, which can save up to 20% of the home’s water usage. To earn the Water Sense certification, builders must register their homes with the EPA, and have them inspected by a third-party verifier for compliance with the program’s requirements, which can incur varying costs.