Smart Buildings are EnergyStar Buildings

What is Green and Why is it Important?

A green building is a building or structure that is built, renovated, or remodeled in an ecological and energy-efficient manner.  The whole purpose of green building is to help keep us healthy by living healthier. This can best be done by the conservation of energy, water and our other natural resources.  One of the best ways to accomplish this is by making sure your building is an EnergyStar Building or is operated by the same energy efficient methods as an EnergyStar Building.  You are guaranteed this by Green Building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).

Green Buildings or EnergyStar Buildings cannot be limited to residential homes in order for it to work for all of us. It must be a 'standard of living' for commercial buildings, schools and any buildings that are actively in use. The methods used for maximum energy efficiency, however, may differ depending on the usage of each building.

Residential Homes

Residential homes can earn the EnergyStar Rating by being built or remodeled according to standards set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).  Any residential homes 3 stories or less are eligible to become EnergyStar Homes. The following is broad criteria these homes must meet to gain the EnergyStar rating: -

·        Properly installed effective insulation

·        Energy efficient windows        

·        Tight construction to avoid drafts and escape of air

·        Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems

·        Energy-efficient lighting and appliances such as provided by EnergyStar

·        taking advantage of any methods to conserve on water

 It is to the property owner's advantage to become EnergyStar compliant, as they will save on all their living costs through the life of the property.  Owners of EnergyStar properties may also be eligible for special mortgages loans.  While it may appear at first to cost more to have all these specific items, the savings will far outweigh the cost, not to mention the improvement in everyone's health and well-being from living in a healthier environment.

Commercial Buildings

When commercial buildings are built or planned, special attention should be taken to the location of the building.  It should be erected in an area that is already a commercial zone to save money on the initial building and using up space that has already been a site of a commercial building.

The same thoughts that go into green building a residential property should go into building or rejuvenating a commercial building such as energy efficient heating and cooling, lighting and conservation of water and all available natural resources.  It has been proven that plants and factories that practice EnergyStar methods of energy efficiency have a better attendance record with their employees and better production from them. Green Buildings and EnergyStar Buildings that earn the EnergyStar label of efficiency can get special EnergyStar qualified products such as computers, copiers, fans, lighting and many more products that they need that will help them to save money.

Schools

 Our children and we spend many hours in the classroom at school.  It is as important at school as it is at home to be energy efficient. Green Building with SIPs can help the schools to provide a healthy environment where they can breathe freely and enjoy learning.  Students that are in EnergyStar school buildings have better attendance because they are out less for sickness.  As a result, they are more productive and could achieve more academically.  Earning the EnergyStar label will make them eligible for many products for the classroom that are energy efficient and will save on our resources. The EPA also has an available software for schools to use to determine how energy efficient they are and how much more efficient they can be and how to achieve that goal. This begins with their method of transportation to and from school (bus or car) right to the exterior walls of the school.

Definition Of EnergyStar

 Energy Star is a symbol from the government to label a building or home as energy efficient.  Energy Star is an agreement between the government and many organizations, some of them homebuilders, to work together to make the home as efficient as possible using only certain EnergyStar products.  To be qualified to be EnergyStar products, they have to meet certain guidelines in conserving energy and resources and helping to provide healthier living.  EnergyStar Buildings will save the owner hundreds of dollars in heating, cooling and water bills by using less energy.

Features of EnergyStar Buildings

• Effective Insulation - In past years, it was believed that the more insulation you had, the warmer your home would be.  In many ways, this was true, but it is also not all we need to be efficient.  There are many different kinds of insulation.  It is not just a matter of how much insulation, but also installing it correctly and making sure to fill all openings and gaps to protect against moisture damage and condensation. EnergyStar Buildings will have the correct type, amount of insulation for your home, and install it to meet the national code requirements.

• High Performance Windows - EnergyStar qualified window and skylights are made more efficiently to block sun out in the summer and reflect radiant heat in the winter. They have a special coating like a sunscreen to avoid fading of items inside the home.  Each EnergyStar window is glass coated and vacuum-sealed to reduce heat gain and loss.  EnergyStar windows are specifically made for the four climate zones, e.g. a window made for Wisconsin will be geared to reduce heat in the winter whereas one for Florida will be to reduce heat gain in the summer. 

• Tight Construction and Ducts - EnergyStar Buildings are designed and built in a manner that is efficient for keeping the home sealed up tight (all cracks, holes and open airways) to reduce drafts, dust or pollen. This will drastically lower your utility bills, as you will be heating/cooling your home-not the outdoors.

• Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment - Only EnergyStar heating and cooling equipment is used in EnergyStar Buildings. They are quieter, use less energy and will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter allowing you the maximum in efficiency and savings on utility bills. 

• Lighting and Appliances - Homes that earn the EnergyStar label are eligible to be equipped with their EnergyStar appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines etc and lighting fixtures such as fluorescent lights, ventilation fans and equally efficient appliances.  Once again, this is reflected in your annual savings of utility bills.

• Third-Party Verification - By way of an independent home energy rater, who will come to the home to verify that it does qualify to be an EnergyStar.