Standards, Guidelines and Certifications

Energy Star Certification
Government-backed program; superior energy efficient products and practices

• Energy Star Homes – 4 “must haves” behind the walls:
  • Air sealing and insulation that works
  • Ducts that don’t leak
  • Advanced windows for comfort
  • Independent inspection and testing

LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

• "LEED is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance.  LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.”
  • Architects may become LEED certified via the USGBC (United States Green Building Council)
  •  “sustainability” – the concept of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
  • LEED-ND – LEED for Neighborhood Development (no certifications yet)
  • LEED Home

NAHB
National Association of Home Builders

• NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines
  Model for residential construction and renovation written by builders, architects, environmentalists, and product experts
  
• Per NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, “a particular guideline may contain trade-offs and carry with it contradictory characteristics. For example, a recirculating hot water system can help conserve water but may use a relatively large amount of energy in its operation. Although the guidelines in their current form are based on experiential evidence and the latest independent scientific research available, they still may leave many questions unanswered due to the lack of scientific and quantitative data.”
  • Sections of the Model Green Home Building Guidelines:
    1. Lot Design, Preparation, and Development
    2. Resource Efficiency
    3. Energy Efficiency
    4. Water Efficiency / Conservation
    5. Indoor Environmental Quality
    6. Operation, Maintenance, and Homeowner Education
  • LCA (life-cycle assessment)
    Method to evaluate how well a particular green action/choice truly impacts the environment, quality of health, etc.
• NAHB National Green Building Program
  Based on NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines
• Certified Green Professional
  Designation available in February 2008 via NAHB
• ANSI National Green Building Standard (NGBS) – IMPENDING
  A voluntary set of protocols based largely on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines; standards for different regions of the country, type of residence, and whether building or renovating

Go to Resources / Websites to learn more about these standards, guidelines and certifications.