Earth Advantage New Homes

Understanding the Program

Earth Advantage^® New Homes certification is Earth Advantage Institute’s green home certification standard. The program can help builders differentiate themselves while building more sustainable homes for a public increasingly interested in energy efficiency and healthier residences.

Developed in early 2000 as the Northwest’s only third-party verified certification program, it was based on extensive stakeholder feedback as well as testing and modification during a series of pilot projects in the late 1990s. Periodically updated, the standard is built around a core of energy efficiency but goes beyond energy to promote a healthier and environmentally friendly home. Earth Advantage certified homes significantly exceed code requirements.

The standard is based on achieving required points on a scoring sheet covering five categories -- energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and water conservation – earned over the course of two verification visits. By working with builders, designers, tradespeople, and homeowners, Earth Advantage Institute is gradually moving the industry towards higher levels of sustainability. To accomplish this, the organization offers several levels of Earth Advantage certification: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

How does the program work?

Builders who would like to have their next project certified under the Earth Advantage New Homes standard contact the organization’s builder outreach specialists during the planning stages or prior to breaking ground in order to enroll as an Earth Advantage builder. During the initial meeting or phone call the outreach specialist will explain how the program works and the elements of the points sheet, which are part of a general information packet.

After construction begins, Earth Advantage Institute outreach specialists are available for technical questions from builders. The organization’s verifiers will visit the site at least two times, once at rough-in to verify insulation, mechanical equipment, window installation, moisture levels and building technique; and once upon completion to assess operation of heating and cooling systems, finished products and overall airtightness of the homes. At this time they are able to verify that the home has passed certification, and the team will also provide the home with an Energy Performance Score that can be used by potential buyers to compare energy consumption and carbon emissions between homes.

Creating a Healthier Home:

Earth Advantage certified homes offer a healthier living environment. To promote health, builders use more sustainable materials and finishes that do not off-gas harmful fumes. They ensure that air is filtered before entering the home, that all gas combustion systems are sealed, and that the home is properly ventilated to expel any remaining harmful pollutants.

Earth Advantage homes also protect the home against the health risks associated with excessive moisture. Techniques as moisture barriers combined with rainscreens reduce the risk of organisms supported by moisture and rot, including molds, fungi and pests.

Air sealing the house promotes health by helping to prevent airborne allergens and industrial particles from coming in. Ventilation also improves the quality of air in the home and helps reduce spot moisture problems.

Energy Efficiency Means Lower Utility Bills:

Earth Advantage® Certified Homes uses the Northwest ENERGY STAR program as its energy saving path, using a variety of features and techniques to save at least 15% more energy compared to a home built to code. This means that Earth Advantage certified homes are also ENERGY STAR certified. The ENERGY STAR measures typically include effective insulation systems, high–performance windows, tight construction and sealed ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and appliances.

Limited Impact on Land:

The Earth Advantage Certified Home reduces the negative impacts that construction can have on the land and natural systems. Care is taken to preserve natural habitat and features, vegetation and open space. Construction processes are managed to preserve soil from damage, contamination and erosion. Waste is reduced through recycling and accurate calculation of materials needs. Landscaping with native low water vegetation is encouraged.

Safe and Durable Materials:

Earth Advantage Certified Homes use materials wisely. The builders choose materials and products for durability in order to decrease maintenance and replacement costs. They typically order local materials where available and choose products containing a high percentage of recycled content. Such materials may include roofing, decking, formaldehyde-free cabinetry, and sheetrock using recycled gypsum.

Reduced Water Consumption:

Earth Advantage Certified Homes protect water quality and preserve this precious resource. Builders install low flow fixtures and toilets and may recommend tankless water heaters that save water through instant heating. They may recommend water saving irrigation systems for yards. During construction, builders take measures to prevent erosion, protect nearby bodies of water, and manage stormwater.

What are Program Costs?

Builders pay a one-time enrollment fee of $500 to be part of the Earth Advantage new homes program, which entitles them to technical advice and marketing support for all future certified homes that they build. After the first on-site verification at rough-in, the builder pays a verification fee that covers both visits. Builders typically recoup most or all of the certification fee through incentives after final sign-off.