Green Building from a homebuyer’s perspective:
Thinking Green, Building Green & Living Green
Think Green.
Think of your home as a system: Good insulation and air sealing can lead to better energy efficiency, but can have adverse affects on indoor air quality, so the home’s ventilation is important too. The materials used to build your home can affect its environmental impact. Talk to the experts at your local home builders association: Certified Green Professionals™ and Master Certified Green Professionals™ can guide you through the building and remodeling process and help you make thoughtful green decisions.
Build Green.
Home buyers go green primarily to save money on their utility bills. That doesn’t have to mean expensive alternative energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. Advanced technologies are exciting, but paying close attention to air sealing, using the right amount of insulation and keeping good ventilation in mind are great ways to gain efficiency. Green building is also careful building.
Live Green.
NAHBGreen is designed to help buyers get the full benefit of a greener home. When buying or renovating a home, consider projects designed and built to a credible standard like the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard and certified by a trusted, third party such as the NAHB Research Center. Then, take the time to learn how to properly operate and maintain your green home to achieve optimum performance now – and into the future!
What Makes a Home Green?
Responsible lot and site development.
The home is positioned to take advantage of heat and light from the sun. Natural site features are preserved and protected wherever possible.
Energy efficiency.
Appliances, insulation, doors, windows, heating and air-conditioning and the home's design work together to conserve energy resources and reduce utility bills.
Water efficiency.
Water heaters, toilets, faucets and drought-tolerant landscaping conserve water inside and out.
Resource efficiency.
Materials are selected for durability, origin, and recycled content while waste-management strategies reduce the environmental impact of the home's construction.
Indoor environmental quality.
Appropriate ventilation techniques, along with paints, sealants and adhesives made without harmful compounds help improve a home’s indoor environment for the entire family.
Home owner education.
Because knowing how to operate and maintain a green home is just as important
as building one!