The EarthCraft House program was developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy Building America program to provide a method of improving the performance of homes without substantially increasing the cost. The additional cost to build an EarthCraft House can range from less than a half percent to three percent, depending on what is already standard practice and how many points a home initially scores in the program.
As a Builders Challenge program partner, EarthCraft House has aligned their Gold-level certification to meet the performance and quality standards of the Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge. If you’re a home builder, click here to sign up for the program and meet the Challenge.
ENERGY STAR Homes - www.energystar.gov/homes
Outside of metro Atlanta, all homes in the EarthCraft House program are required to be ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they are at least 15% more efficient than required by code.
ENERGY STAR certifications cost $50-$400 per house depending on the method of certification and the size of the home. Certification costs are in addition to the costs in upgrading the home to meet ENERGY STAR standards. The benefits of this certification include access to additional energy mortgage programs and the use of a nationally recognized label. Builders that would like to guarantee energy bills as a marketing tool will want to use the ENERGY STAR program to predict energy consumption.
LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance "green" homes. A green home uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.
To find out more about the Building America program and current projects, visit www.eere.energy.gov.
For more information on how to qualify for the ENERGY STAR Homes program in the Greater Atlanta area call 404/604-358
9 online at www.energystar.gov/homes.
EarthCraft House is a program of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface with support from government and industry leaders. Southface Energy Institute, 241 Pine Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: (404) 604-3636 Fax: (404) 604-3681
For general information & questions should be e-mailed to echinfo [at ]earthcrafthouse.com
Problems with the website? E-mail the webmaster at: webmaster [at] earthcrafthouse.com
Copyright 2008
