What Does It Take to be an Energy Star?
The push for greener, more environmentally friendly homes is stronger than ever. Changing out the energy systems in an existing home is a great way to generate less waste and save on your bills, but starting from scratch with a completely new building is a often the only way to ensure the maximum energy efficiency at a more affordable price point.
Energy Star, one of the most widely recognized efficiency ratings, is often associated with appliances and HVAC units, but an entire house can also achieve the Energy Star rating. For a household to qualify, it has to use about 60% less energy than comparable new homes, which is no easy feat. Architects and designers really need to cram as many energy saving features as they can under one (solar paneled) roof in order to achieve it. Curious about what goes in to an Energy Star rated home? Check out this home tour on Apartment Therapy. There are lots of photos and information about the process.
