In a continuing effort to advance the use of environmentally responsible technologies in residential construction, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the International Code Council (ICC) and the NAHB Research Center are nearing the end of a process that will result in an ANSI standard for green dwelling design and construction practices.

You should feel comfortable in your own home. However, your home may have construction or design defects that make you spend extra money and energy just to maintain that comfort. You can improve the comfort of your home and lower your energy bills at the same time.

Ten years ago, green was just a color in the home building biz. Today "green" or "building green" means an approach to home building that puts environmental concerns front stage center.Good indoor air quality and energy efficiency in construction, heating, and cooling are emphasized. Water-saving bathroom fixtures and faucets, and energy-saving appliances are a priority. When possible, recycled materials are used. Waste is minimized, both during the initial construction and down the line. A material that can be recycled at the end of its useful life in your house is preferable to one that ends up in a landfill.

Some states have adopted means to monitor the effectiveness of the ENERGY STAR Homes program.Each qualifying home receives an ENERGY STAR designation from the EPA, which is a point of distinction for the homeowner,and proof that the home will perform  to high-efficiency energy performance levels.Unlike structural features,however, energy features are communicated to the consumers as part of the government’s ENERGYSTAR® program.The ENERGY STAR labelcuts through  the details of solarheat gain and fenestration thermal transmittance and other highly technical information and simply sets the bar at a level 30 percentabove the model energy code requirements in different zones of the country.

ENERGY STAR labeled home offers homeowners a more comfortable, healthier living environment, while saving money on their energy bill.From better insulation levels to high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, these homes achieve ahigher efficiency rating.

Inspections for stringent standards ENERGYSTAR-labeled homes.ENERGY STAR designation from the EPA, which is a point of distinction for the homeowner and proof that the home will perform to high-efficiency energy performance levels.

High-performance windows will not compensate for inadequate insulation levels,and high-efficiency heating equipment.