from Fred in Milwaukee, WI:
#42
I want to build a home that is green, what are the first steps I should take?
Tell your builder you want a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home!
There are a lot of people talking about being green these days, but one of the best ways you can make your new home a little greener is to tell your builder you want a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home. Home energy use is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions. By making sure your new home is energy efficient you are taking a big step towards owning a greener home. Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes are designed, built, tested and certified to ensure energy efficiency, combustion safety, durability and comfort. In fact, a home built to the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes standard is as much as 25% more energy efficient than a new home built to code. Ask your builder if they partner with this program. If they don't, ask your builder to contact Focus on Energy to learn more about program participation.
In addition, make sure that you are installing the most efficient products and equipment in your new home. Buying only ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and lighting, installing a high efficiency hot water heater and furnace with an electronically commutated motor (ECM) and ensuring your central air conditioner is at least a SEER 15, along with building a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home will all go a long way in making your new home as energy efficient as possible. If you are looking to take additional steps consider learning more about Green Built Homes, a green building initiative that reviews and certifies new homes and remodeling projects that meet sustainable building and energy standards.