Personal Benefits

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

What’s the value of living and working in a certified green building?

In a nutshell, it’s about health, safety and comfort -- and knowing that an independent expert has verified key aspects of construction and tested the performance of your home. Your new home or building is an investment, and certification can offer you the personal satisfaction and protection that conventional homes or buildings can’t always provide.

• Breathe Healthy Air

On the surface, a green certified building may appear quite similar to conventional code-built structures, but within the shell there’s a significant difference. Many traditionally constructed homes and buildings contain harmful chemicals that have been linked to asthma, allergies, and even cancer.  Green building goes beyond energy efficiency to provide the user with a healthy environment. Certified green structures utilize more sustainable materials, have better ventilation and better moisture control that can keep small particles, allergens and molds out of your indoor environment and ductwork.

• Enjoy a Safe Environment

Certified green structures are designed to function efficiently and safely. All combustion systems including furnaces, water heaters and gas fireplaces, are separated from air ducts. Verification visits at rough-in and completion ensure correct framing, proper insulation techniques and use of zero- or low-VOC finishes.

• Live in Comfort

A key component of a certified green home or building is energy efficiency. A properly constructed building will have a tight "envelope" that keeps the warm or cool air in and the drafts out, while ensuring that you have plenty of fresh healthy air. This can mean more enjoyment of your living or work space.