Builders go 'green' with new standards

As we approach St. Patrick's Day, everyone starts to think green.

"Green" is also becoming more standard for homebuilders in our state, driven partially by the new Michigan Uniform Energy Code that took effect in October, and the recent energy "crisis" that has more and more consumers looking for ways to save energy around their homes.

The new Michigan code requires builders to use a higher level of insulation in new homes; a level that is at an Energy Star or higher rating. For instance, on a typical new home ranging from 2,000-2,500 square feet, the added cost to bring it up to this Michigan code is $3,000 to $5,000. However, the higher level of insulation also can decrease a typical homeowner's energy bill by an average of $1,000 annually when compared to the same size home without the energy upgrades.

While the new Michigan energy code mandates that builders build homes that are more energy efficient, there was already a movement in the industry to be greener. For example, the Building Industry Association of southeast Michigan (248-737-4477, http://www.builders.org/">www.builders.org) added an energy efficiency category to its annual Parade of Homes the past two years, and the 2008 energy crisis brought it even more to the forefront for builders and consumers.

A recent survey by Whirlpool Corp. (800-253-1301, http://www.whirlpool.com/">www.whirlpool.com) indicates that consumers are starting to think more about energy efficiency in their homes. According to the survey, 84 percent of consumers say energy efficiency is important to them when it comes to home appliances, and 72 percent of respondents actively look for the Energy Star label when making purchase decisions. With this cold winter doubling many people's energy bills, consumer demand for more energy efficient approaches should continue to rise in Michigan.

Builders in Michigan recognize this trend, and are going well beyond just meeting the Michigan energy code mandate. There has been an increase in the number of Michigan builders who want to earn the Certified Green Professional designation from the National Association of Home Builders ( http://www.nahb.org/">www.nahb.org). The designation recognizes builders and remodelers who incorporate green building principles into homes -- without driving up the cost of construction.

In addition, many homebuilders have become Energy Star Partners. Energy Star ( http://www.energystar.gov/">www.energystar.gov) is a joint effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. To earn this Energy Star designation, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency. These homes include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes. In addition to upgraded insulation that is part of the Michigan Uniform Energy Code, many of these homes include high-performance windows, tighter construction and better sealed air ducts, efficient heating and cooling systems and more energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures.

According to Chris Pratt of Construction and Development Services (248-891-9742, http://www.constructionanddevelopmentservices.com/">www.constructionanddevelopmentservices.com), who teaches a class for the Building Industry Association of Southeast Michigan on how builders can comply with the Energy Code, there are a lot of ways builders today can be more green in their building practices, as well.

"There are so many ways builders can be greener in their building practices, it just depends on what they want to focus on," Pratt said. Area builders are paying more attention to how a home is positioned on the lot and take into account the home's sun and wind exposure and trees on a lot to help keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

"The new state code has mandated some energy improvements in new homes, but the 2008 energy crisis really increased consumer's and builder's interests in improving energy efficiency in both new homes and in remodeling," said Michael Stoskopf, the executive officer for the Building Industry AssociationBIA. "Prior to that, there really wasn't a huge consumer demand for it in southeast Michigan."

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