I just spent most of last week at Build It Green's training for Green Point Raters. If you don't know about this program yet, you soon will! Many municipalities in California are adopting their standards and rating system for new homes and major remodels. Not to be confused with LEED, which rates commercial buildings as well as new residences, Build It Green's program is purely for the residential construction industry, both single and multi-family. While there is a lot of overlap with LEED for Homes, they provide a lower threshold or entry point for new residences, as well as an existing home rating system that includes partial remodels and additions.
The program seems very straightforward with many cities adopting a standard of 50 required points for certification. These points are allocated among the five categories of Community, Energy, Indoor Air Quality/Health, Resources and Water. A minimum of 30 points must be garnered in the energy category by surpassing state Title 24 requirements by 15%, which is relatively easy to achieve, and which will save money and CO2 from day one.
The guidelines are flexible, giving the homeowner, contractor or developer many options to achieve the required points. The result is a better product, a home that is good for the family and better for the Earth. According to recent studies in Seattle where the green rating is part of the MLS advertisement, it is also good for the pocketbook, as Green Rated homes in that area have been documented to sell for 5-10% more and 24% faster, even in today's depressed market.
Rating a home may add a few thousand dollars to the construction cost, but the site verification process helps ensure that the green features are indeed installed, and the testing ensures that HVAC is properly sized, the insulation and ductwork are all properly installed and sealed, avoiding the energy losses typical even in many new homes.
One paper test, one plan check test and one field inspection test were required as part of our training last week. I'll let you know when the results come in!
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