Energy Star Homes an Affordable Alternative to Green Homes

May 3, 2008 - PRLog -- Raleigh, NC – Raleigh custom home builder Stanton Homes announces the groundbreaking of the first Energy Star home in the Chatham County Cattail Creek development.

“We are pleased to be building the first Energy Star home in Cattail Creek at the same time the Triangle Green Home Tour is taking place,” said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes. “The tour is a great reminder of the importance of thinking green, and an Energy Star certified home can incorporate many of the same features as a Green Home. Both kinds of homes are important ways for owners to conserve natural resources and save energy – and we’re proud to be a part of that, at a price tag where home buyers can still find a custom home on two wooded acres in the $250-$350K range.”

What is the difference between a Green Home and an Energy Star certified home?

Just because two homes are green built, doesn't mean they're built the same.  Some might have solar panels and full underground rainwater collection systems.  Some might have other features, like low flow faucets, high performance windows, and Energy Star appliances.

How much do the Green Homes in the Triangle Green Home Tour cost?

Not including the $3.2 million home, the Green Homes Tour showcases green homes in the Raleigh/Triangle area with an average price of $587,687.  

That's about $173 per square foot for a home that is an average of 3344 square feet.  

Since Chapel Hill/Orange County has the most Green Homes, here's a quick comparison of Green Homes in the tour versus overall sales for Orange County.

Green Homes in Orange County (per the Green Homes Tour):

Average list price: $695,148; average price per square foot: $185.84

Overall sales 2007 in Orange County:

Average sales price: $342,725; average price per square foot: $151.66  

Each of these Green Homes contains different levels of Green characteristics, as well as varying square footage. While most homes are listed at higher price points, there are a few homes on the tour that are available in the $200s or $300s.  

One that is fully solar powered, with an underground rainwater system, bamboo flooring, solar water heater, and sustainable harvested products will probably be at the upper end of the spectrum in price.

Here's an idea of the basic qualifications for the National Home Builder's Association Model Green Home Building Guidelines:

•  Lot Preparation and Design - Planned reduced impact on soil and vegetation.

•  Resource Efficiency - advanced framing techniques, optimal use of building materials, and construction waste management, along with careful material selection.

•  Energy Efficiency - This could mean Energy Star certification.  HVAC systems, appliances and lighting are chosen to increase energy efficiency.  

•  Water Efficiency/Conservation - Can include low water toilets and showerheads, rainwater barrels, water collection systems, or low-water landscaping choices.  

•  Occupancy Comfort and Indoor Environmental Quality - Effective management of  moisture, ventilation, and other issues.

•  Operation, Maintenance and Education - Green Home builders can give guidance on to optimally manage and maintain their new green home.  

"Greenness" is measured by a point-based system.  The builder, homeowner, or developer chooses the initiatives they want to follow.  

There are seven areas of focus, with over 150 different initiatives.  Minimum point levels must be obtained under each of the seven areas of focus, which should help keep a healthy balance.  All supporting documentation is submitted to an independent 3rd party auditor, who verifies the Green Home through site visits and document review.  

What does it cost to build a Green Home in the Raleigh area?
It depends on exactly what green features you want to include, how many square feet you want, whether you want a basement or not, and other variables, including cost of land, size of lot, and amount of landscaping.  

How is owning an Energy Star home a good step towards “going green” and saving energy and natural resources?

A Raleigh/Triangle home that has earned prestigious ENERGY STAR certification is significantly more energy-efficient than a standard home. The stamp is a guarantee that the home meets higher government-regulated standards regarding specific resource saving processes and products.

And the best news?  An average size Energy Star home can cost as little as $3-5K more than the same type of home built to normal standards!

Details that translate into savings within an ENERGY STAR home include:

Inside the Walls - Insulation
All insulation must be rated and installed at ENERGY STAR standards.  This results in balanced temperatures that require less energy to heat and cool your home.

Looking Outward - Windows
High-performance windows are required in an ENERGY STAR home.  These specially coated windows deflect more UV rays, helping keep heat outside during the summer and inside in the winter.

Detailed Construction and Sealed Ducts
Advanced techniques are used to seal every part of the home, from heating and cooling ducts to every portion of the exterior walls, floor, and roof.   This does more than reduce energy costs - it also adds up to less moisture, dust, pollen, and noise.  

Heating and Cooling Equipment
Heating and cooling systems must be specially rated to earn ENERGY STAR certification.  Energy efficiency is only the beginning - most have longer warranties as well.  

Independent Testing
An ENERGY STAR qualified home must be inspected and tested by an independent, ENERGY STAR certified third party inspector throughout the building process.

The ENERGY STAR home payoff:

Lower Energy Costs
Raleigh ENERGY STAR homes are designed to be at least 15% more efficient than a home built to the national Model Energy Code.   This means lower energy bills, every month.

Higher Resale Value
ENERGY STAR homes are certified for life.  Resale values are strong.

Discounted Energy Costs
Progress Energy of the Carolinas offers a 5% discount for life in addition to all the other energy savings in an ENERGY STAR home.   Some Raleigh home builders will make sure Progress Energy is aware your home is an ENERGY STAR home before you even move in, jump-starting your two-fold energy savings.

Home Loan Incentives - ask your lender.  There are several programs to help Energy Star home buyers.

Environmental Protection - homes use an estimated 17-20% of the nation's energy.  Energy Star homes reduce energy requirements, thus reducing smog, global warming, acid rain, and greenhouse emissions.

The Bottom Line

A Raleigh ENERGY STAR home costs 1-3% more than a standard home.  But the increase in comfort, benefits to the environment, reduced energy costs, and home loan incentives are helping homebuyers across the nation make the decision to go ENERGY STAR.  

“Come check out our new Energy Star home in the Cattail Creek development, or Energy Star homes elsewhere in the Triangle” said Williams. “I think you’ll be surprised at how much an Energy Star home emulates the concept of a Green Home – without having to pay a lot of green to get it.”

Cattail Creek is not officially part of the Green Home tour, but does offer many green home features in affordable homes on acreage.

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About Stanton Homes
Raleigh custom home builder Stanton Homes builds exceptional living experiences, with its renowned, spacious, inviting custom homes in the Triangle area.  Ask about our Veteran and retired/active duty military program “Stanton Homes for Heroes”.  Stanton Homes offers one story homes, main floor master bedrooms, and a wide variety of architectural styles, all with unique details like our signature archways and barrel vault ceilings.   http://www.StantonHomes.com

Website: www.StantonHomes.com