What is the NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program?

The NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program is a statewide green building certification program that is a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Solar Center, the State Energy Office, NC Department of Administration, NC HBH Community Partners and local building professional organizations. The program is focused on providing support for small to medium size home builders, offering technical assistance, marketing assistance, design reviews, workshops, presentations, and field consultation services that enable builders to increase their knowledge of green building practices.

There are requirements that a NC HealthyBuilt Home and builder must meet to participate. The key is that how you meet requirements is up to you. The guidelines for building in an environmentally friendly way are summarized in the Healthy Built Homes checklist with over 150 possible strategies.

Now in its second year, the local Western NC program is growing by leaps and bounds, as homebuyers and builders alike realize the value of green building. As of February 2006, 21 NC HealthyBuilt Homes have been built and certified in Western North Carolina with 100 more expected in 2006. The first NC HBH of Greater Asheville orientation was a huge success with thirty builders, developers, realtors, and architects attending. In 2006, there are expected to be at least two small developments starting with between eight and thirty homes each that will be part of the NC HBH of Greater Asheville program; these homes will be available to homebuyers. In the next year, the program hopes to work with several local governments to provide incentives to builders who use the NC HBH of Greater Asheville program.

What is a "HealthyBuilt" home?

A HealthyBuilt Home is a healthy and affordable home that reduces energy, water usage and protects the environment. Building materials and processes are selected to reduce pollution and the waste of natural resources both during the manufacturing and construction phases and throughout the life of the home. Because the quality, amenities, and energy savings are evident, these homes have a higher value and are easier to sell.

NC HealthyBuilt Homes Homeowner Benefits

Built for healthy environments: NC HealthyBuilt homes are built with the environment and your family's health in mind. During construction, builders practice sustainable site measures and resource-conservation strategies. Once built, a NC HealthyBuilt home is more efficient, uses less energy and water, and creates less pollution.

Lower Operating Costs: NC HealthyBuilt homes are more energy efficient. Because of the increased quality of a HealthyBuilt home, you can count on less maintenance in the future--saving you time, worry, and money. Since these homes are Energy Star certified, they also qualify for a five percent discount on Progress Energy electric bills for the life of the home.

Guidelines for High Performance: NC HealthyBuilt Homes are built to meet strict performance guidelines and undergo third-party verification to ensure durability and efficiency. You can feel confident that your home will be built to rigorous standards and will perform efficiently in the years to come.

Increased Comfort: Advanced techniques used for sealing the home's "envelope" mean a safer and more comfortable living space. You will enjoy a quieter home with improved indoor air quality, fewer drafts, and reduced moisture.

Lasting Value: Building a NC HealthyBuilt home is a smart investment. The retention of trees, water, materials, and energy add natural value to your home.

Dona Stankus is the Director of the statewide HealthyBuilt Homes program at the NC Solar Center, Matt Siegel is Director of the WNC Green Building Council, Colleen Starkes does communications and outreach at the NC Solar Center. Go to http://www.wncgbc. org/healthybuilt/for more information. Contact WNCGBC with questions about certifying a Healthy Built Home at [e-mail] or 828-232-5080.