Chemicals emitted from certain building materials can be a potential source of health problems if they are not properly addressed. Certain paints, floor finishes, and carpet can contain chemicals that are not healthy to breathe, especially for small children. Fortunately, the building industry is responding to these concerns and developing safer products. Green building encourages a wide range of products such as low-VOC paints, solvent-free adhesives, and water based wood finishes that not only eliminate many suspected chemicals but also perform better than traditional products.

Adequate ventilation is a key to indoor air quality. Practices such as well-sealed duct systems, heat recovery and sealed combustion HVAC units, kitchen and bathroom exhausts vented to the outside, and balanced or slightly high positive pressure ventilation systems are especially important to building a healthy home.

Green homes excel at conserving water both indoors and out. The average daily water consumption in homes today is more than 64 gallons. Implementing water conservation methods such as sink faucet and shower aerators, low flow toilets, insulated hot water pipes and tankless hot water systems can reduce water and associated energy by as much as 50%.

Using native drought-resistant landscaping and more efficient smart irrigation water delivery systems – such as rain collection or storm water management systems – helps prevent the unnecessary waste of valuable water resources.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently Third Party verified to meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency. These homes save money on utility bills, provide a more comfortable living environment with better indoor air quality, and help protect the environment.

Learn More at the Energy Star website: www.energystar.gov