Certifications
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Energy Star™
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to Code, and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes. Among other things, in Florida the home must have a HERS Index of 77 or below.
www.energystar.gov
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The HERS Index
The HERS Index is a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0. The lower a home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is in comparison to the HERS Reference Home.
Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. Thus a home with a HERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the HERS Reference Home and a home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient.
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Florida Green Building Coalition
The provisions of this program are intended to establish a voluntary, state-wide standard for Green Home Designation. This enhances the goal of achieving uniform and meaningful green building designations for residential buildings in Florida. Qualification shall be achieved by attaining at least 100 Credit Points, gained through additional improvements that benefit the ecology, the environment and sustainability in Florida. There are four levels; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
www.floridagreenbuilding.org
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National Association of Home Builders
Green Certification is based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™. There are three green certification levels available in the Guidelines – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The National Green Building Standard includes an additional level for residential buildings, Emerald. Land Developments can earn One, Two, Three, or Four Stars.
www.nahbgreen.org
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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
U.S. Green Building Council
USGBC’s newest LEED® Rating System, LEED for Homes, supports the design and construction of high-performance green homes. LEED for Homes recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards, while giving homeowners confidence that their houses are durable, healthy, and environmentally friendly. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for its occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower utility bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.
www.usgbc.org
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Builders Challenge
Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Builders Challenge is a voluntary effort to provide compelling answers. Through the Builders Challenge, participating homebuilders will have an easy way to differentiate their best energy-performing homes from other products in the marketplace, and to make the benefits clear to buyers. DOE's ultimate vision is that, by 2030, a consumer will have the opportunity to buy a cost-neutral, net-zero energy home (NZEH) anywhere in the United States — a grid-connected home that, over the course of a year, produces as much energy as it uses. The Builders Challenge establishes a framework for continuous improvement that will help propel the market toward zero-energy performance.
www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/challenge/
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Fortified
The Fortified program offers a package of “code-plus” upgrades that greatly increase a new home's resistance to natural perils, including hurricane, tornado, wildfire, flood, freezing weather, hail and earthquake, as well as to fire and interior water damage. Specifically, Fortified requirements strengthen a home’s outer envelope---notably roof and wall systems, doors, glazed openings, and the foundation.
www.disastersafety.org/
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Florida Water Star Gold
The Florida Water Star Gold (FWSG) program provides incentives for builders and developers to include indoor and outdoor water efficiency in their new projects. FWSG is the upper tier of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s (SJRWMD) Florida Water Star residential program. The University of Florida’s Florida-friendly landscaping principles are incorporated into the gold-tier landscape and irrigation sections.
www.watermatters.org
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Florida Yards and Neighborhoods
FY&N can help you transform your yard into a beautiful oasis that will not only conserve precious water resources and reduce pollution, but will also help you save time, energy and money and preserve Florida's natural environment for future generations. FY&N encourages "Florida Friendly" yards and landscapes by promoting basic landscaping principles to Floridians.
www.citruscountyfl.org/commserv/extension/fyn/fyn.htm
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