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The third and final green building program we are going to look at is the EarthCraft program. Unlike LEED and Energy Start, EarthCraft is a regional program that encompasses the southeastern states of Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. According the EarthCraft website, "EarthCraft House is a program of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface with support from government and industry leaders." Like the LEED green building program part of the requirement for the EarthCraft House program is for the home to become Energy Star certified. Unlike the LEED green building program the EarthCraft program has a category for both new and remodeled homes.
NEW HOMES In the new home program for EarthCraft a home must accumulate at least 150 points. Homes that accumulate 200 and 230 point will receive Select and Premium status. Points for the new home program can be earned in the following categories: Site Planning Energy Efficient Building Envelope and Systems Resource Efficient Design Resource Efficient Building Materials Waste Management Indoor Air Quality Water Conservation (Indoor and Outdoor) Homeowner Education Builder Operations Bonus/Innovation Points
RENOVATIONS In the Renovation program the points needed to earn certification vary depending on the type of renovation being completed on the home. Renovations that do not add heated square footage require only 100 points for certification. Renovations that add heated square footage but do not change the exterior shell of the home need 120 points for certification. Renovations that change the exterior shell of the home but do not change the foundation need 140 points to become certified. Finally, renovations that involve adding foundation must gain 160 points in order to become certified. For the EarthCraft Renovation program a home can earn point in the following categories: For more information on the EarthCraft green building program please visit www.earthcrafthouse.com. |