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Excel Homes is an ENERGY STAR® Partner and routinely builds homes that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines. Our factory home building process enables us to build much “tighter” houses – homes that operate at least 15 percent more efficiently than a standard home.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What is green building and what are its benefits?
Green building is a complete approach to every part of the building process, including design, construction, energy, water efficiency and lot development. Green building uses recycled and reused materials or materials made from renewable resources.
Building green minimizes the negative impact on the environment and the community. It reduces callbacks while increasing product differentiation and profit for the homebuilder. It can also lower operating costs, improve construction methods, reduce maintenance issues, and increase home value.
What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR® is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. It is a program designed to promote energy efficiency in home building. Homes receive this label if they operate at least 30% more efficiently than a standard home. In addition to new homes, the EPA has extended the ENERGY STAR label to include commercial and industrial buildings.
To earn an ENERGY STAR label, the home must meet specific EPA guidelines. Qualified homes feature: effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction ducts, efficient heating/cooling equipment, and other efficient products such as lighting fixtures, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. Third party Home Energy Raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify energy efficient measures.
Where can I find more information on green building?
There are many useful sites for green building information including:
- What are cost-effective practices that I can do around my home to save energy?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. household spends more than $1,600 a year on utility bills. A large portion of this energy is wasted. Some simple tips include: set the thermostat at a comfortable level in the winter and higher in the summer months, use compact fluorescent light bulbs, air dry dishes, turn off appliances when not in use, take short showers, and wash only full loads of dishes and clothing.
What materials are used in green building?
Being green is contingent on the materials used to produce a building product and where these materials came from. Some products can be made with salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content. Some products are developed to conserve natural resources. A number of products save energy or water. And some products simply contribute to a safe, healthy environment.
What part do reused or recycled materials play in building green and are there standards to evaluate them?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has standards for evaluating energy efficiency and renewable energy, water efficiency, environmentally preferable building materials and specifications, waste reduction, toxics reduction, indoor air quality, smart growth, and sustainable development. Information can be found at epa.gov/greenbuilding
- Are green homes more costly to construct?
Often, good green buildings cost approximately the same amount as your standard home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, good green buildings may cost only a few percentage points more than conventional designs. Over the long run, cost savings show up in energy/utility bills. Return on investment could also be seen in bettering society as a whole and creating healthy environment for you and your family.
Is it more expensive to maintain a green home versus an average home?
Some experts say with more recycled product use, there may be less maintenance. For example, recycled content carpet is longer lasting and more stain resistant than non-recycled carpet.
Are there incentives from the local or state governments for green building?
Yes, many local and state governments have green building laws. Help from local and state government can be an important jump-start for improving communities. Many states provide green building rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives. In Pennsylvania, for example, some homeowner incentives include the Keystone Home Energy Loan Program, Adams Electric Cooperative - Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) and Supplemental Loan Program, Property Tax Assessment for Commercial Wind Farms and the Sustainable Development Fund Financing Program (PECO Territory). On February 27, 2008, the U.S. House passed a renewable energy tax incentive. This includes the extension of the tax credit for energy efficient home improvements for consumers. This bill still needs to pass through the Senate and be signed by the President to become a law.
- Here are some additional links to information on green building:
Green and Save
Offers an average savings chart for installing green items in your house while also addressing the many areas of the household that can go green such as appliances, cooling, landscaping, remodeling, etc.
Plant Green Discovery
Offers many tips to make your home green and offers buying guides that is better for the planet. Other topics include fashion and beauty and food and health.
U.S. Green Building Council
Serves as a national resource for all those interested in green initiatives as well as serving as a directory for events, members and educating users on going green.
Environmental Protection Agency
Gives specific examples of ways to build green.
Global Green
Site is passionate about saving energy and how you can go green in your household.
Building Green
Details what different levels of certifications mean through LEED and CSI requirements for building and also offers case studies of green building. Also provides information, news and product reviews through the website and Environmental Building News publication.
