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Green Built Homes FAQ

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  • Green Built Homes FAQ
How do I get started?

Check out our Green Built Homes Program page and Steps to Certify a Home page.

How do I know if my existing home is Green Built certified?

Ask your Builder’s Program Manager or contact our Green Built Homes Program Manager by calling 828.254.1995 or emailing homes@greenbuilt.org. You can also visit our Map of Certified Homes to do a search.

Doesn’t building green cost more?

Not necessarily. In fact, our biggest certifier of homes is Asheville Habitat for Humanity.

There are some costs to participating in a certification program; HERS rating is an additional inspection fee paid to the Rater, and Green Built Alliance charges a modest registration fee for the certification (that fee helps cover program costs and keep the program running). Initial construction costs can be offset by future energy savings. HERS ratings allow builders and homeowners to accurately calculate return on investment from energy savings for many products and processes. Additionally, many rebates and incentives are currently in effect, rebates you can only get with verified energy performance:
Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Homeowners, Builders, Commercial Buildings, and Businesses
Rewiring America: Inflation Reduction Act Savings Calculator

Green Building can reduce costs, not only over time for homeowners, but also in a more streamlined construction process for builders.  

How can I help my builder participate?

Encourage them to become a member of the Green Built Alliance and participate in the Green Built Homes program. On our Certification Levels page, identify items on our Checklist that apply to your project and the certification level that your project can achieve.

How can I find a Rater?

Download our Green Built Homes Rater PDF of certified raters.

How can I get technical help?

Contact your HERS Rater, or ask our Green Built Homes Program Manager by calling 828.254.1995 or emailing homes@greenbuilt.org

How do I use the Green Built Homes checklist?

On our Certification Levels page, identify items in each category of the checklist that apply to the project and verify that the minimum point requirements in each category are met. Resources and links to Department of Energy and Energy Star guidelines are provided on the Checklist.

  • Home
  • Our Programs
    • Green Built Homes
      • Importance of Green Building
      • Steps to Certify a Home
      • Certification Levels
      • Resources & Registration
      • Green Builder Certifications
      • Map of Certified Homes
      • FAQ
    • Blue Horizons Project
      • About the Project
      • Save Energy for Home
      • Save Energy for Business
      • Neighbor to Neighbor Solar
      • Join the Community Council
    • Energy Savers Network
      • Apply for Energy Savings
      • Volunteer With Us
      • Energy Efficiency Apprenticeship
      • Simple Home Energy Saving Tips
      • Client Map (password protected)
    • Appalachian Offsets
      • Individual Offset Calculator
      • Business Offset Calculator
      • How It Works
      • Who It Benefits
      • Supporters
  • Our Magazine
  • Membership
    • Member Listings
    • Member Login
    • Account/Renew/Cancel
  • Classes & Events
    • Continuing Education
    • Regenerative Professional Accreditation
    • Events Calendar
  • News & Resources
    • Newsletter Sign Up & Archives
    • Green Building News
      • Magazine Articles
      • Contribute an Article
    • Green Building Resources
      • Energy Tax Credits
      • Videos
      • Case Studies
      • Glossary
  • About & Contact
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Meeting Minutes + Bylaws
Find Green Building Professionals
Find Green Building Professionals
Support Our Work
Support Our Work



Green Built Alliance is a recognized charitable organization under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Green Built Alliance are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

1 Haywood St, 4th Floor, Office 463, Asheville, NC 28801
PO Box 2594, Asheville, NC 28802

828.254.1995

info@greenbuilt.org

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