New Home Programs

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If you’re thinking of buying a new home, an important first step is to work with a builder who is experienced with energy efficiency strategies and products. In their efforts to keep their house prices as low as possible, many builders set their energy goal as meeting the Florida Building Code. Unfortunately, this code establishes the minimum levels of efficiency for homes in the state, so in reality a home that meets the code is actually the least efficient home you can buy. There are many things beyond this minimum level that can save you significant money on your utility bills and give you a home that is more comfortable as well.

The list below gives information on the major builder programs that differentiate homes that are built to higher standards. To be assured your builder is energy-conscious, you should learn more about these programs and discuss energy efficiency with the builder you select. Note that the list of programs is organized from least to most efficient.

This Sarasota home by Pruett Builders participated in FPL's BuildSmart Program, EPA's EnergyStar and DOE's Building America Programs. It had a HERS rating and was a designated Green Home by the Florida Green Building Coalition.

You should also visit the ENERGY STAR Web site for builders participating in their program and also the EnergyGauge site where you'll find information on home energy ratings that let you know how efficient your home will be and where improvements can be made.

Program Name	Organization	Local assistance	Energy Efficiency Level
FECC	Florida Department of Community Affairs(DCA)	Usually code calc, insulating or HVAC contractor	Least efficient allowed by law. Evaluates heating, cooling and hot water. Method A used by most builders allows performance tradeoffs.
Utility Programs	Electric and/or gas utility	Utility representative	Varies from slightly better than code to meeting Energy Star.
ENERGY STAR	US EPA Builder must sign memorandum of understanding (no cost)	Certified Home Energy Rater to evaluate each home - EPA also has sampling and Builder Option Packages programs	Energy Star for Homes is in transition. See www.energystar.gov for additional information.
Florida Energy Rating System	Administered by FSEC for DCA	Trained and certified energy rater. Locate a rater here	Florida’s official Home Energy Rating System (HERS) based on the performance method. Class 1 includes inspection and building and duct tightness testing. Can be used to qualify for Energy Star and Green designations.
Building America Builders Challenge	US Department of Energy (DOE) Builder must become partner (no cost)	FSEC or other DOE Building America team	Strives for minimum HERS Index of 70 while maintaining or improving good indoor air quality, durability, and cost effectiveness.
Florida Designated Green Home	Florida Green Building Coalition	Green Home Certifier (see web site)	Mandatory and credit point system. Has eight categories with many choices: Energy, Water, Lot Choice, Site, Health, Materials, Disaster Mitigation and General.
Green Communities	Enterprise Foundation, FCLF, FGBC	Green Home Certifier	Reserved for affordable housing. Same as Florida Designated Green Home with a few additional prerequisites.
LEED® for Homes	U.S. Green Building Council	FSEC in Florida	Mandatory and credit point system in Energy Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Water Efficiency, Site Selection, Site Development, Materials Selection, Residents’ Awareness, and Innovation.
Zero Energy Homes	US Department of Energy (DOE)	FSEC or other DOE Zero Energy Home team/partner	Demonstration home with net zero energy use because of exceptional energy-efficient design, construction, and appliances combined with renewable energy generation.