If you are going to build a new home and you want to "Go Green," you are in a position to really make a Green statement. To start from the bottom up, there are many possibilities.
The two things you are going to need are: 1) An experienced Green builder.
2) Information and options.
The following websites will give you a good start in the direction you want to go as you plan your Green Home.
LEED
One of the best places to start is to find a builder familiar with LEED. Developed by the U.S Green Building Council, LEED provides building owners "a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions." Leed for Homes is a comprehensive rating system that examines the entire structure. This article printed in USA Today is a good story of someone trying to build green and the problems they found as they moved forward.
Green Building Advisor
This is a great site for all the latest new ideas for building green. There is also a section that talks about Strategies & Details where you can find a "Construction Detail Drawing Library." This is the perfect site to begin, there is a section for "Green Basics," "Green Homes," a "Product Guide" and even a section for Question & Answers. Energy Star Qualified Homes Energy Star qualifications focuses on energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR can help builders and other home industry professionals to differentiate themselves in the market. New Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR provide lower utility bills, greater comfort, and enhanced durability for home buyers, while helping to protect the environment. DSIRE Energy efficiency is a big part of building Green.
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The site also has links to National Organizations, Federal resources, State Organizations, Regional Organizations and International Organizations.
Financial incentives should also be considered when building or renovating. There are usually federal and local incentives you can take advantage of and many of them can be found Here. ToolBase ToolBase is the homebuilding industry's technical information resource. Selected innovative building products, processes, and systems that can produce safer, more energy efficient homes at a lower cost and higher quality. This site is loaded with great information to keep costs down and energy rating up.
