Energy Star Certification

There are two price tags to look at when purchasing a home: the cost of buying it and the cost of running it; that is, heating, cooling, lighting and living in it. The best known energy-efficiency guidelines are for new homes certified by the EPA's Energy Star program. Over 360,000 Energy Star houses have been built since 1995, including nearly 10 percent of all new homes built in 2004. Available nationwide, these homes average $500 of annual savings in utility costs by using improved insulation, tight ductwork and construction, high-performance windows and energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. Most homes also have the option of Energy Star-qualified appliances, or these can be purchased separately. David Lee, the residential branch chief of Energy Star, notes that "older homes can qualify, but it is far easier and less costly for a new homeowner to meet these standards with a new home built to that specification." In some areas, Energy Star certification on an existing structure is available through the Home Performance program, following inspection by a qualified contractor to determine what needs to be improved.

The National Association of Home Builders, a national research and advocacy group instrumental in establishing green building guidelines, can connect you to a local builders' association for contractors who work according to Energy Star standards. Another source for contractors is the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program; LEED certification for residential housing will be available in 2006.

Resources
*Energy Star: www.energystar.gov, 888-STAR-YES
*For Home Performance, click on Home Improvement at www.energystar.gov.
*National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.org
*For LEED-accredited builders, see www.usgbc.org.
*For energy-efficient mortages, see Green Guide #91.