Anybody can say a home is green, but how do you know for sure? A certified green home is your assurance that a home has actually been built to the exacting standards of a recognized green building rating system such as LEED for Homes, NGBS, or Passivhaus. Certification is based upon measurable standards of a home's energy performance, water savings, construction materials, and other features and is substantiated by expert, third-party verification. This level of oversight is typically unavailable for conventionally constructed homes. A green certification recognizes and rewards the highest quality in green homebuilding.

If you would like a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for you and your family, a green certified home is right for you. Green homes have lower energy and water bills, use  non-toxic building materials, are water-smart, and respect the environment in which they're constructed. Green homes are not just better for the environment; they also offer health benefits to your family, such as reduced expsure to mold, mildew, and other indoor toxins. Why settle for anything less?

The benefits of green homeownership are universally desirable and attainable. Green certified homes include everything from luxury custom residences to affordable multi-family dwellings and Habitat for Humanity projects. In fact, the majority of green certified homes have been built for limited income owners and residents.

Green building isn't just for new construction. Using the NAHB-Green rating system, even your remodeling project can be certified green. Visit the NAHB Scoring Tool to find out more. If you are mostly focused on your home's energy use, a remodeled home can received an EnergyStar certification.While LEED for Homes does not offer a certification for remodels, the USGBC does offer valuable remodeling guidance throughout their REGREEN program.

If you're looking to remodel and have questions on what makes the most sense for you, please contact us; we'd be happy to help.

Your new home can be green regardless of your family's budget. Many local and state governments, utility companies, and other entities across the country offer rebates, tax credits, and other incentives for building green homes. Green certified homes may also be eligible for other financial benefits, such as lower financing fees and insurance rates. Most importantly, a well designed and built green home guarantees lower utility costs, making it much more affordable over the life of the home.

The US Green Building Council formally launched the LEED for Homes rating system several years ago in response to increasing market demand for green and high-performance homes. More recently the ANSI National Green Building Standard (NGBS) was introduced as the first residential green building rating system to undergo the full consensus process and receive American National Standards Institute approval. Because NGBS certifications are managed by the National Association of Home Builders, or NAHB, the program is more commonly known as NAHB-Green.

Green raters play a critical role in this process by providing the objective verification, testing, and documentation review essential to protecting the integrity of the home's rating. While these third-party rating systems vary slightly in performance thresholds and mandatory requirements, both share the objective of providing the means to formally recognize green, high-performance homes.

There is no best choice for all homes but because we understand both rating systems, we can help you determine the best match based upon your project's goals.

Elysian Energy maintains a full staff of highly trained, certified building science and green building professionals who provide skillful guidance throughout the certification process. We test and verify your home's structure and systems at critical points during construction to ensure that your home will perform as intended. Working closely with you and your architect or builder, we provide expert advice for all aspects of your new green home at each stage of development - from the back of the napkin to the final inspection. Our clients appreciate the personal attention and enthusiasm we bring to their projects. Contact us today to learn more about planning your green, dream home.