TOP-RATED GUIDES
ReGreen Program
Published by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation, the guidelines address the major elements of any green renovation project, including the site of the home, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Ecofutures follows this guide for Deep Energy Retrofits, and were even lucky enough to have one of our retrofits featured as a case study. You can download highly-recommended reading, the guidelines’ first chapter, titled “Green From the Start” here.
Builder’s Challenge
A program of U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technology, the Builder’s Challenge is based on HERS ratings – a projected and verified standard for energy efficiency. The Challenge requires that homes achieve a score of HERS 70 or below. Our homes are built to these standards and regularly score HERS 20 or below.
Two of our homes have recently verified performances of HERS -3, which means they are verified as producing more energy than they consume over the course of at least one year.
ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
A program f the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this program provides guidelines to build homes that 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. Our homes are built to these standards and regularly score HERS 20 or below. Two of our homes have recently verified performances of HERS -3, which means they are verified as producing more energy than they consume over the course of at least one year.
GreenBuildingAdvisor.com
The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Note: Due to a special affiliate relationship with GreenBuildingAdvisor.com, colleagues of Ecofutures founder, Eric Doub, are entitled to a 33% discount off the price of a GBA Pro membership, which provides full access to the GBA site. Learn more.
Guide to Whole House Energy Efficiency
Energy Savers provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road. This is a comprehensive guide to best practices in all areas of the home: from installing windows and doors, to weatherstripping, to appliances and tubs.
This guide brings you the latest information on energy-saving, efficient technologies and even tips for using clean, renewable energy to power your home.
OTHER GREAT GUIDES
Minnesota’s GreenStar Program
Minnesota-based homeowner education initiative offering an interactive website with guides to maintaining and living in a healthy, efficient home. Key features: Monthly calendars and Photo- and image-based “how-to” guides.
HomeSmart
Green building standard and certification program offering a full range of benefits to certified homes and builders. Certification can result in: Tax credits, rebates on building materials, mortgage rate discounts, and more.
Building America Program
Providing literature and guidelines to energy solutions for new and existing homes.
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