Understanding New Home Certification

If you're considering building a new home, Earth Advantage Institute offers builders and their clients three proven certification programs. Expert outreach staff are available to explain the merits of each program, walk the builder through the process and schedule, explain the financial incentives, and conduct two onsite verifications to ensure correct installation of materials and equipment prior to issuing final certification.

A choice of certification programs to meet your needs

Northwest ENERGY STAR^® certification is the basic building block in all the programs. ENERGY STAR certification ensures that a new home performs at least 15% above code through proper insulation, a well-sealed outer shell and energy-efficient equipment and appliances.

Earth Advantage^® New Homes is a green certification that uses ENERGY STAR as a point of departure but adds sustainability features and building processes that make the home healthier and more resource-efficient. Earth Advantage New Homes offers three possible levels of certification – silver, gold and platinum, depending on points earned. For builders just starting to build green homes Earth Advantage New Homes certification is a great place to begin – and to get paid for it!

LEED^® for Homes is a holistic green certification developed by the US Green Building Council, for which Earth Advantage Institute is one of the largest providers. LEED for Homes is typically used by builders engaged in construction of high-performance homes. The program may involve a higher level  of interaction between the builder and the verification team to ensure that the home meets a broad range of requirements that are part of the standard.