Energy efficiency builds a new clientele

Builders and home buyers across the country are increasingly interested in so-called “zero-energy” or “green” building.

Zero-energy homes combine highly energy-efficient design and technology using solar electric and thermal systems to produce as much energy as they use on an annual basis, resulting in zero net energy consumption.

In response to the growing consumer demand for green homes, the Home Builders Association of Maryland (www.homebuilders.org) has created green — environmentally friendly — building guidelines for its members. HBAM also is moving toward creating a green building council.

“Members achieve points in different categories, such as indoor environmental quality, resource, energy and water efficiency. They have to earn a number of points in different categories in order to rate as a green builder,” says Kristin Hogel, HBAM communications director.

In addition to providing green building seminars and up-to-date energy information for its members, the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) is considering instituting a builder certification program for energy-efficient homes. (www.nvbia.com)

“We have started to see a trend in energy-efficient home sales and begun tracking the numbers,” says Laura Hampton, NVBIA communications director. “We are investigating formalizing certification in the near future.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a green home as one that uses energy-efficient construction techniques and products, environmentally preferable materials, water-efficient products and processes, renewable energy options, waste reduction and recycling during construction, and sustainable land development practices (www.energystar.gov).

Building green doesn’t just mean saving energy, it means saving the environment.

Energy used in homes often comes from fossil-fueled power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain and risks of global climate change.

An Energy Star-rated home aims to use 50 percent less fossil fuel, to recycle 90 percent of all organic waste, consume 50 percent less water, and recycle 75 percent of all construction waste. Each Energy Star-qualified home can keep some 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air each year, the EPA reports.

Overall, an Energy Star-qualified home is at least 15 percent more efficient than homes built to meet the 2004 International Residential Code.

A number of energy-efficiency improvements in new home construction can save homeowners hundreds of dollars on their monthly payments and put additional cash in their pockets because of federal tax breaks and state and county rebates.

These changes in construction can save homeowners between $200 to $400 per year on utility bills.

“We could all afford to keep a little more money in our pocket,” says Donna Heron, EPA press officer. “Consumers are not the only ones to benefit from the construction of energy-efficient homes. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Internal Revenue Service offers up to $2,000 in tax credits to contractors who construct a qualified, new, energy-efficient home beginning in January 2006.”

Additionally, consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in the home can receive a tax credit of up to $500 (www.energy.gov/tax breaks.htm).

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