Energy efficiency builds a new clientele

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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.