Independent Certifications

Western North Carolina Green Building Council [WNCGBC]

WNCGBC is a 501C3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote environmentally sustainable and health conscious building practices through community education.
NC HealthyBuilt Homes is a voluntary, statewide green building certification program supported by the North Carolina Solar Center, the State Energy Office, Home Builder Associations, and other professional building organizations.  The WNCGBC and the Asheville Home Builder Association (AHBA) are pleased to offer the North Carolina HealthyBuilt Homes Program to builders in the Greater Asheville area and the following NC counties: Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey.

Our main goal is to educate homeowners, builders and architects on the benefits of:

• creating energy efficient buildings
• increased use of alternative energy sources
• sustainable development
• using green building materials
• decreasing use of natural resources
• preserving topsoil and trees
• reducing storm water runoff

All HealthyBuilt Homes are Independently Certified.

United States Green Building Council-Homes [USGBC–Homes]
 
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] Green Building Rating System for Homes promotes the design and construction of high-performance energy efficient and environmentally respectful  homes. A LEED or HealthyBuilt home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills.

The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

All LEED Homes are Independently Certified.

Energy Star

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars — all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.

Home-Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice.

 When looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They  meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.

When looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR rating.

When  looking to make larger improvements to your home, EPA offers tools and resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort.

Power conservation is Independently Certified.

Energy Star-Indoor Healthy Air  --New Federal program coming soon and will help evaluate and set In Door Healthy Air standardsHomes in this program will be Independently Certified.