Home Remodeling: June 2008 Archives
Homebuyers
today are increasingly concerned about the indoor air quality of their
homes.
Issues like mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals have received greater attention than ever as poor indoor air quality has been linked to a host of health problems.
To address these concerns, builders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor indoor air quality in their new homes.
EPA created the Indoor Air Package to help builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency. By constructing homes that meet EPA's stringent specifications, forward-thinking builders can distinguish themselves by offering homes that have earned this designation.
EPA's Indoor Air Package specifications were developed based on best available science and information about risks associated with indoor air quality problems, and balanced with practical issues of cost, builder production process compatibility, and enforceability. The initial specifications were piloted in several cities and revised based on input from the field.
Energy Star Builders Offer the Indoor Air PackageThe Indoor Air Package is now available for all interested ENERGY STAR Partners. The current Indoor Air Package specifications
(330K), dated April 19, 2007, supersede all previous versions of the
specification. ENERGY STAR qualified homes that comply with these
specifications and are verified with a completed Indoor Air Package Verification Checklist can earn the Indoor Air Package label.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.
ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of "tried-and-true" energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.
Energy Star green building guidelines,
Not only does Build it Green provide extensive training and educational forums, their green home rating system, GreenPoint Rated provides a new 3rd party verification program for homeowners searching for an alternative to LEED.
The Certified Green Building Professional Training course takes you through a step-by-step analysis of all systems, materials, and technologies involved with building or renovating a home. All of the discussion focused on buildings that embrace energy-efficiency and health.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs
Program your thermostat
Plug air leaks
Tune up your heating and cooling (HVAC) system
Choose ENERGY STAR® appliances
Reduce water use
Switch to green power
Explore solar
Use low-VOC products
Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection for your house
Use native plantings
The American Society of Interior Designers’ Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council have partnered on the development of best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable residential improvement projects.
The REGREEN program will increase understanding of sustainable renovation project practices and benefits among homeowners, residents, design professionals, product suppliers and service providers to build both demand and industry capacity.
Whether you're a renovation professional or a savvy do-it-yourselfer, let REGREEN help green your next project. REGREEN is easy to use and chock-full of information, but if you find you have any questions, please e-mail regreenprogram@usgbc.org.
