Green Home Certification Packages

Green means something different to everyone.  At Stanton Homes, we're making it easier by offering a variety of green home certification and green feature packages. 

A green home will help homeowners:

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas
• Save Money Every Month
• Lower Maintenance
• Increase Comfort
• Have Healthier Indoor Air
• Invest in the Future

What are some of the most popularly requested features? 

Energy Wise Package

Energy Wise Foam Insulation Package

• Foam insulation on all exterior walls with Bayer closed cell foam
• Foam insulate roof and garage ceiling with Icynene open cell foam
• Energy Wise guarantee - written guarantee of 50 to 70% savings for heating and cooling costs, year round
• Engineering services for correct sizing of HVAC units
• Air sealed caulking package

A recently completed 2800+ sq ft home in Chatham County was guaranteed to cost no more than $80 per month for heating and cooling.  This is a written guarantee!   

ENERGY STAR Certification

ENERGY STAR Certification is recommended for every home.  An ENERGY STAR certified home uses about 15% less energy, per the program guidelines.  And in the Raleigh area, an ENERGY STAR certified home also qualifies for a 5% monthly discount on energy costs! 

Tankless (Instant) Hot Water Heaters

A tankless hot water heater can save up to 40% on energy costs for your hot water needs.  Tankless hot water heaters also provide continuous hot water with no fluctuation in temperature - handy if the whole family needs a shower in the morning! 

Solar Hot Water Heaters

Solar hot water heaters can save 50-80% on hot water energy costs.  Solar water heaters are partnered with either a traditional electric or gas tank water heater, or a tankless water heater, for those days when the sun is not sufficient to provide for full hot water needs. 

Sealed Crawl Space

A sealed crawl space can make your home more comfortable, reduce seasonal stresses on flooring, increase indoor air quality, and help reduce energy costs by making sure all ductwork is within conditioned space.

Green Home Certification

A certified green home can have any or all of the above features.  Certified green homes are verified by third party inspectors, and meet requirements for each of seven standard categories.

• Lot Design, Preparation, and Development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Operation, Maintanence, and Education

Common features in a certified green home can include:

• Conservation of natural resources
• Native or regionally appropriate landscaping with water usage in mind
• Rainwater collection
• Well planned, smaller homes with a minimal footprint
• Renewable materials
• Water efficient plumbing fixtures
• ENERGY STAR certification
• Energy efficient lighting
• Dedicated recycle areas

and much more.  We'll work with you to determine the very best green package for your lifestyle, budget, floorplan, and location. 

Green Home Builders in North Carolina - Green Building Resources

Bayer MaterialScience High Performance Residential Program - Guaranteed Savings

Bayseal Spray Foam Insulation

Green Building - What's in a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Homes with Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Green Home Features Available in Raleigh

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

There is more interest in building green than in any other single type of home, with good reason.

A green home will help homeowners:

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas
• Save Money Every Month
• Lower Maintenance
• Increase Comfort
• Have Healthier Indoor Air
• Invest in the Future

Read through the slide show, and see what kind of impact building green can have.

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

Green Homes Raleigh NC

Triangle Custom Home Builder Stanton Homes Announces

Green Home Q & A Hot Spot

GreenHomesTriangle.com Highlights Green Features and Topics

We're excited about the launch of our newest information hot spot - www.GreenHomesTriangle.com!

This green building website will feature articles and answers to some of the most asked Green Home questions.  Topics include:

Green Home Certification - How Does it Work?

Solar Water Heaters

Rainwater Collection

Saving Energy

Saving Water

EnergyWise - Guaranteed 50-70% Heating and Cooling Cost Reduction

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes

Green Building Materials

Choosing a "Green" Location to Build Your New Home

Green Home Events

and much more! 

Buying or building a green home helps protect the environment, reduces reliance on natural resources, reduces harmful emissions inside and outside the home, and increases resale value. 

Green Home Builders in North Carolina - Green Building Resources

Bayer MaterialScience High Performance Residential Program - Guaranteed Savings

Bayseal Spray Foam Insulation

Green Building - What's in a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Homes with Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Green Home Features Available in Raleigh

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

Custom Homes Raleigh NC

Buying an Infill Lot - What is an Infill Lot, and Why is it Greener?

What To Look for with Infill Development

What is an Infill Lot?

"Fill In" Lots

Think of an infill lot as "filling in" available lots and land where infrastructure and services are already in place. 

An infill lot might be an empty lot between homes in an existing newer subdivision.

An infill lot could also be an available piece of land between older homes, or between buildings. 

Why is an Infill Lot Greener?

Revitalized Neighborhoods

The Urban Land Institute says that urban infill lots converted to new homes create neighborhood revitalization.

Public Transportation

An infill lot is more likely to have access to public transportation that has been put in place to service existing homes and businesses.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

An infill lot is more likely to be near local businesses and amenities, making walking or biking viable options - and reducing carbon footprints.

What Should I Be Aware Of When Buying an Infill Lot?

Architectural Design

Homebuyers will want to try to match the architectural designs in the existing neighborhood as much as possible.  A 4000 sq ft home built in a neighborhood consisting of 1500 sq ft homes will probably not hold value well - and may not appraise well for financing.

HOA and Review Committees

As in many neighborhoods, potential homes may need to be reviewed and approved by any existing homeowners associations or review committees. 

Shape and Size of Lot

The lot may be an odd size or shape, which has caused it to be passed over.  Your builder may be able to recommend a type of home or floor plan that will fit well, or make modifications to your favorite plan.

Impervious Surface

The city or county may have a maximum impervious surface requirement.  This means the foundation, walkways, and driveways can not cover more than a specific number of square feet.  Again, the builder and/or architect can work to design or modify the home, driveway, and walkways so that the impervious surface requirement is met.

Sewer and Water

Don't assume that sewer and water are readily available - be sure to check on whether or not hookups already exist at your infill lot.  If not, find out what the cost will be to make sure your new home has sewer and water (or a septic and well) available.

Get an Expert to Review Your Infill Lot - Then Enjoy Your New Home!

Work with a builder and/or agent with plenty of experience purchasing land and building on infill lots.  There are some differences between infill lots and new neighborhoods, but there are advantages too!  Knowing the right questions to ask and having a home that fits well can make all the difference.

Need help deciding on a lot or neighborhood?  

Stanton Homes offers a free lot inspection to help you find the fit that works well for your budget - and provides a full cost analysis of site work, permits, fees, and sewer and water costs.  Contact us today to find out more.

What is a Green Lot?

Chatham County New Homes - Communities, Lots, and Land

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Available Land and Lots in New Home Communities

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

Green Builders Raleigh NC

Green Building Certification - Indoor Environmental Quality

Breathing Better Air in Your New Raleigh NC Home

Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

There are many different reasons to purchase a green home. 

- Lower energy bills

- Less carbon footprint

- Healthier indoor air

- Reduced warranty claims

- Improved durability and less maintanence

- Better resale

A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited.  Today we'll talk about Section 4 - Water Efficiency & Quality.   Read more here about Lot Preparation, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, and Water Efficiency. 

Section 5 of 7 Green Building Guidelines - Indoor Environmental Quality

A certified green home in the Raleigh NC area is different.  Indoor environmental quality is improved by builders who carefully follow these green building guidelines to:

Minimize potential sources of pollutants.

Manage potential pollutants generated in the home.

Manage moisture in the home from vapor, rainwater, plumbing, and HVAC systems

Offer innovative options

Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

No matter what individual features are chosen, a certified green home has an integrated and comprehensive approach, and incorporates features not found in standard homes  

For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:

Fireplaces

Either no fireplace, or a carefully sealed fireplace will help indoor air quality.  If there is a fireplace, it's probably a direct-vent, sealed-combustion gas fireplace, sealed wood fireplace, or sealed woodstove.

Sealing Between Garage and Living Areas

The door between the garage and living spaces should be tightly sealed, plus additional sealing should be used on any walls shared with a garage. 

"Green Label" Carpeting

Carpet, carpet pad, and floor covering adhesives noted as "Green Label" by the Carpet and Rug Institute's indoor air quality testing program or equivalent thresholds can help indoor air quality.

Kitchen Venting

The kitchen range should be vented to the outside.

MERV 9 Filters

Installing MERV 9 filters on central air or ventilation systems can also improve indoor air quality.

Moisture Resistant Materials

Installing moisture resistant backerboard behind showers and tubs can cut down moisture retention and possible mold.

Sealed Crawl Space

A sealed crawl space helps prevent moisture problems. 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Installing carbon monoxide detectors near all combustion appliances or areas can offer an additional sense of security.  

Other Options Available

Of course you can add other features as your desires and budget see fit!  Innovative options can include a central vacuum system, a detached garage in place of an attached garage, a sealed attic, carpet nap less than .5 inches, or an upgraded HEPA air filtration system. 

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for a new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories. 

Bronze level certification requires 71 points in the Indoor Environmental Quality category.

The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner.  There are over 100 ways to earn points in this category alone. 

Silver and Gold certification requires additional points. 

You may also be interested in these New Home Green Building Topics:

NC Green Home Builders – Pittsboro Green Homes

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal Heating and Cooling Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

WaterSense Toilets - How Much Water Do They Save, and How do They Work?

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Ways to Save Water - Rainwater collection systems

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

Green Builders Raleigh NC

Green Building Certification - Energy Efficiency

Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

There are many different reasons to purchase a green home. 

- Lower energy bills

- Less carbon footprint

- Healthier indoor air

- Reduced warranty claims

- Improved durability and less maintanence

- Better resale

A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited.  Today we'll talk about Section 3 - Energy Efficiency.   Read more here about Lot Preparation Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, and Indoor Quality.

Section 3 Green Building Guidelines - Energy Efficiency

A Green Home in the Raleigh NC area might include specially sized heating and cooling equipment, improved air sealing, Energy Star rated windows, sealed ducts, return ducts in all main rooms, bathroom fans vented to the exterior, a sealed crawlspace, and of course, Energy Star Certification.   

Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

No matter what individual features are chosen, a certified green home has an integrated and comprehensive approach to energy-efficient design of building site, building envelope, and mechanical space conditioning systems. 

For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:

ENERGY STAR Rated Windows

A double-paned window with low-E coating will reduce energy loss from the home.

Select Heating and Cooling Equipment

The HVAC contractor will carefully size the heating and cooling equipment specifically for the size and layout of the home, using an ACCA Manual S calculation. 

Seal Ducts, Plenums, and Equipment

Leaking ducts can reduce efficiency of a forced air system by as much as 30%.  All ductwork and connections are sealed with foil tape or mastic to reduce air leakage. 

Install Return Ducts or Transfer Grilles

These return ducts or transfer grilles help prevent pressure imbalances that can occur when doors are closed, which can help prevent air leakage to the outdoors, or prevent air from being drawn in from the outdoors.  Baths, kitchens, closets, pantries, and laundry rooms are exempt. 

Install Bath Vents

ENERGY STAR labeled mechanical exhaust fans can be installed in each bathroom and vented to the outside.  These fans are quieter and more energy efficient, and help local removal of moisture and humidity. 

Energy Efficient Water Heater

The water heater installed should meet a minimum energy efficiency rating.  Of course, a tankless water heater is another option! 

Install Motion Sensors

Outdoor lighting becomes more energy efficient when motion sensors are used.

ENERGY STAR Rating

ENERGY STAR is always the first step towards a more energy efficient home, and contributes towards green building certification as well.  Find out more about ENERGY STAR here. 

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for a new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories. 

Bronze level certification requires 37 points in the Energy Efficiency category.

The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner.  There are over 100 ways to earn points in this category alone. 

Silver and Gold certification requires additional points. 

You may also be interested in:

What is a Green Lot?

Chatham County New Homes - Communities, Lots, and Land

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Available Land and Lots in New Home Communities

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

Green Builders Raleigh NC

What Makes a Green Home Different?

What Exactly Does Green Home Certification Focus On?

In North Carolina, there are five green home certification programs, each with its own point system.  There is one planned specifically for the North Carolina climate, moisture levels, and yearly temperature changes. 

If you're considering a green home in the Raleigh area, you'll most likely see certification that involves the Green Home Builders of the Triangle program. 

Each green home must be independently validated and certified by a third party inspection agency.   If you don't see a green home certificate, your home may not be certified green, even if it does contain many green elements. 

The Green Home Builders of the Triangle program offers three basic levels of certification, each of which is attained by collecting points in each of seven different sections.  Green home certification ratings can be Bronze, Silver, or Gold.

What are the Categories for Green Home Certification?

In this Raleigh NC area green home certification program, there are seven different categories.

Section 1 - Lot Design, Preparation, and Development

Resource-efficient site design and development practices help reduce environmental impacts.   Green design principles might include saving trees, constructing onsite storm water retention/infiltration features, and orienting the home for maximum passive solar heating and cooling. 

Section 2 - Resource Efficiency

A successful green home starts at the planning stage.  Materials are selected with consideration of the environment in mind.   Engineered wood products can be more efficient than conventional lumber, because less of the log is wasted.  Job-site waste is carefully monitored.  Building materials are selected with environmental impact in mind - and those materials can vary based on the area.  Bamboo flooring that is shipped from thousands of miles away, and processed with unverified glues may not be as environmentally friendly as a locally harvested oak flooring that is stained on site with low VOC stains. 

Section 3 - Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption has far reaching environmental impacts.  One big step towards building a green home is Energy Star certification, which helps reduce energy waste.  Many other energy saving building practices can also be utilized. 

Section 4 - Water Efficiency & Quality

Households can use an immense amount of water, and the importance of water resources is becoming increasingly recognized.  Green homes help to conserve water inside and out - the amount of water conserved depends on the features selected. 

Section 5 - Indoor Environmental Quality

One of the attractions of a green home in the Raleigh NC area is a healthy indoor air environment.  Initial steps can be the use of Green Label carpeting, low VOC paints, and other low-emitting building materials.  Another step might be planning for a detached garage, which eliminates or reduces Benzyne and carbon dioxide infiltration into the home.

Section 6 - Operation, Maintenance, and Homeowner Education

A green builder will provide the homeowner with a manual that explains proper maintenance and operation, and offers alternatives to toxic cleaning substances, as well as tips for water saving practices.  This helps ensure that the home built so carefully will also be maintained in an environmentally friendly manner. 

Section 7 - Global Impact

The use of low VOC paints can actually fall under the Global Impact category, because the release of VOCs from wet paints can contribute to ground-level ozone pollution.  Other items in this category help the environment on a global level, but may be hard to categorize under another topic.

Interested in Finding out More About Building a Green Home?

With hundreds of "green" options available across seven different categories, you can design and build a green home that incorporates everything most important to you.  Almost any floor plan CAN be built in a certifiably green manner, though there are some floor plans that are more conducive to green building than others. 

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics: 

NC Green Home Builders – Pittsboro Green Homes

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal Heating and Cooling Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

WaterSense Toilets - How Much Water Do They Save, and How do They Work?

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Ways to Save Water - Rainwater collection systems

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

Green Homes Raleigh NC

Considering Green - What's In a Green Home in the Raleigh, NC Area

If you're considering building or buying a green-built home in the Raleigh, NC area, you probably have some specific ideas about what's involved in a green home.  Or maybe you just know that a green home is better for the environment.

How "Green" is a Green Home?

Each of the five green home certification programs in North Carolina has its own levels and specifications of "greenness". 

If you're considering a green home in the Raleigh area, you'll most likely see certification that involves the Green Home Builders of the Triangle program.  Each green home must be independently validated and certified by a third party inspection agency.   If you don't see a green home certificate, your home may not be certified green, even if it does contain many green elements. 

There are three basic levels of certification, that can be attained by collecting "points" in a variety of building areas, such as:

Bronze Level Green Home Certification

A green home reaches bronze level certification when a total of 257 points have been earned, with the minimum amounts in each category.

Green homes with Bronze Level Certification may not have the same features and amenities - for instance, the green home can earn 5 points for minimizing slope disturbance, or 6 points for optimizing the homes location for solar resources by placing the long side of the home within 30 degrees of due south. 

A Bronze Level Green Home does not often have a solar water heater or solar photovoltaic power source, but can be the least expensive type of green home built in the Raleigh NC area, depending on the choices made.

Silver Level Green Home Certification

A green home in the Raleigh NC area reaches silver level certification when a total of 415 points have been earned, with again minimum amounts in each category. 

Thus 61% more points must be earned to reach Silver certification - so some could argue that such a home is 61% greener!  

It depends on the green homeowner or home buyers preferences and priorities - again, the points can be earned in a variety of ways.

A sealed attic is worth 8 points in the Energy Efficiency category, as is a sealed crawlspace and a solar hot water heater.  From the chart above, a Silver Level Green Home requires 62 points in this category, so a combination of many different features are needed.

Gold Level Green Home Certification

To earn a Gold Level Green Home Certification in the Raleigh NC area, the green home must score a total of 549 points, or more than double that of a Bronze Green Home. 

Most Gold Level Green Homes that I have seen in the Raleigh area are in the $700K or higher range.

In Water Efficiency, one can gain 7 points for collecting and reusing rainwater, and 7 points for weather-based irrigation controllers (computerized).

Green Home Building and Buying Options Vary

As you can see, the types of green homes available vary quite a bit, and the combinations of green features can be almost endless. 

With hundreds of "green" options available across seven different categories, you can design and build a green home that incorporates everything most important to you - and Southern Energy Management, a much-awarded local green home certifier, can help you find the combination that best fits your budget. 

Interested in building a Green Home in the Raleigh NC Area?

We'll help you get started!  Contact us, or call 919-278-8070. 

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics:

What is a Green Lot?

Chatham County New Homes - Communities, Lots, and Land

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Available Land and Lots in New Home Communities

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.  

Green Builders - Green Building Programs

What Different Green Building Programs are Available in NC?

If you're looking into a new custom home that is green-built, you may see certification by any one of the following programs.  These green building programs are similar - each uses a point system to verify the different green aspects of the home, and each is independently verified by a third party inspection agency.

LEED Green Homes - US Green Building Council

The LEED program is a national program, with the same requirements and point system for any home across the nation, no matter what the climate or local conditions. 

As most green home certification programs, "points" must be earned across a number of categories.  For the LEED program, these categories are titled Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation & Design Process. 

Read the 78 page LEED Green Home guidelines here.

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Home Guidelines

The NAHB Green Home program is also a national program.  The requirements are very similar to the LEED program.  Again, a green home may vary considerably in actual design and features, as different combinations of points can add to a green home certification.

For the NAHB Green Home program, the point categories have slightly different names:  Lot Preparation & Design, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency/Conservation, Occupancy Comfort & Indoor Environmental Quality, and Operation, Maintanence & Education.

Find out more about the NAHB Green Home program here.

Green Home Builders of the Triangle - Green Home Guidelines

The GHBT program is probably most commonly used in the Raleigh, NC area.  This green homes point system is designed specifically for the North Carolina climate - lots of moisture in the air, and plenty of heat during the summer. 

The Green Home Builders of the Triangle program has seven categories, but still covers all the same topics as the LEED and NAHB programs:  Lot Design, Preparation & Development, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency & Quality, Indoor Environmental Quality, Operation, Maintainence, & Homeowner Education, and Global Impact. 

Earthcraft Homes - Atlanta Based Green Homes Program

While you probably won't see an Earthcraft Home in the Raleigh area, you may see some elsewhere in NC.  The Earthcraft green building program started in Atlanta, GA and has been gradually moving east.  This is just another green building certification program, again with similar standards.

EarthCraft House guidelines include the following categories:  Site Planning, Energy Efficient Building Envelope & Systems, Resource Efficient Design, Resource Efficient Building Materials, Waste Management, Indoor Air Quality, Water Conservation, Homeowner Education, Builder Operations, and Bonus/Innovation Points.

NC Healthy Built Homes

NC Healthy Built Homes is the fifth of the "green building" programs commonly seen in the area.  This program emphasizes air quality (as do the other four programs mentioned), but does not have as strong an emphasis on as many aspects of a green home as the other programs available.

Certification of a Green Home

Each of these five programs is an independently verified green homes program with required third party inspections and verifications of materials and practices used.   If your new home is certified, your builder will be able to provide you documentation of your homes status.  Keep it on hand - if you should ever decide to resell your home, that green home certification will help your home stand out! 

Interested in building a Green Home in the Raleigh NC Area?

We'll help you get started!  Contact us, or call 919-278-8070. 

You may also be interested in these New Home Green Building Topics:

NC Green Home Builders – Pittsboro Green Homes

What is a Green Home? Green Home Builders

How to Determine a Reasonable New Home Budget

WaterSense Toilets - How Much Water Do They Save, and How do They Work?

ENERGY STAR Homes - What is ENERGY STAR?

Ways to Save Water - Rainwater collection systems

Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area 

Stanton Homes makes it easy!  We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!

Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today. 

Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011.  Unauthorized use is not permitted.  Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements.  Please note:  all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date.  Information subject to change.  Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of  any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build.  Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions.  Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan.  Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area.  No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.