Built Green Checklist

Builders are required to choose one of the three methods (items #1, #2 or #3 below) of meeting the Energy Efficiency Minimum Requirement. Note that item #2 requires a higher level of testing than required by the program’s random verification process, and that item #3, ENERGY STAR®, exceeds the “minimum” requirement; hence option #2 and #3 are awarded points while option #1 is not. Note that item #4 provides additional points, but is NOT a method of compliance under the Energy Efficiency Requirement.

**NOTE: All Built Green-registered homes permitted on or after October 1, 2008, must comply with ENERGY STAR® for New Homes energy efficiency and verification criteria. Effective October 1, 2008, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes energy efficiency and verification standards will be the sole method of energy efficiency compliance for the Built Green program. Please see the Guide to the Built Green Checklist, www.EnergyStar.gov, or consult with your Energy Rater for further details on the requirements of the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program.

REQUIRED CATEGORIES:
Builders are required to select at least one option from each of the indicated categories: X. Energy Efficiency: Mechanical Heating & Cooling Systems; XI. Energy Efficiency: Air Distribution Systems; XII. Health and Safety: Improved Indoor Air Quality; XIII. Health and Safety: Moisture Management; XVI. Energy Efficiency: Lighting; XVIII. Material Resource Efficiency: Framing; XXIII. Resource Conservation: Water. However, there is no required minimum number of points for these categories. Required categories are identified in the Checklist.

Builders are required to provide the corresponding verification documents where noted in the far right column at the time of random verification inspection. Points will not be awarded unless proper documentation is provided where required. Making note of those requirements and collecting those documents from the outset will improve the process and help ensure successful completion of random verification. 5% of all registered homes will be randomly verified for compliance at the builder’s expense by a Built Green approved rater of the builder’s choice.

The 2008 Checklist is effective on homes permitted on or after May 1, 2008. Homes must be registered at time of permit issuance. Each home is required to have a minimum total of 75 points from the Checklist. Each home is required to be duly registered with the program.

*NOTE: Full explanations, requirements, graphics, charts and links to accompany this Checklist can be found in the Guide to the Built Green Checklist, located online @ www.builtgreen.org, available to all members, or for sale through the Built Green program

RESNET-accredited HERS Rating of 85 points or less when using the expanded HERS “INDEX” score based on the 2006 HERS Reference Home verified on a 5% random basis as required by the program’s random verification process.

• 5% sampling must include at least one rating of each product type (examples of product types include: single family detached, condo and townhome) and from-plans ratings from each plan type or product with a change in energy efficient features within the product type.

RESNET-accredited HERS Rating of 85 points or less when using the expanded HERS “INDEX” score based on the 2006 HERS Reference Home verified on a 15% or higher random basis in order to take these points.

• 15% sampling must include at least one rating of each product type (examples of product types include: single family detached, condo and townhome) and from-plans ratings from each plan type or product with a change in energy efficient features within the product type.

House meets ENERGY STAR® criteria by either the Prescriptive or Performance paths as outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency - Cannot Combine with Item #2
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• If homes are tested on a 100% basis (+3)

House meets 2005 Federal Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit of $2,000, available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. See following website for additional information: www.energytaxincentives.org/tiap-new-homes.html

Note: This item provides additional points, but is NOT a method of compliance under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Requirement
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Trees and natural features on site protected during construction by completing ALL of the following:

• Develop a tree/plant preservation plan with no disturbance zone clearly delineated on drawings
• Execute plan by minimizing disturbance of and damage to trees/plants designated for protection through installation of fencing
• Avoid trenching, significant change in grade and compaction of soil in critical root zones

Existing trees and vegetation designated for preservation are prepared for the impacts of construction by a Certified Arborist through pruning, root pruning, fertilization and watering
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Save and reuse all site topsoil, protecting from erosion prior to redistribution
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Leave undisturbed at least 40% of previously undeveloped lot area (on lots larger than 1/3 acre)
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Use sun-tempered design to reduce heating and cooling needs of building by completing ALL of the following:

• Home orientation allows solar heating (long dimension is w/in 30 degrees of solar south)
• South glass area is between 5-7% of total finished floor area (FFA)
• West glass area is ≤2% of total FFA
• East glass area is ≤4% of total FFA
• North glass area is ≤4% of total FFA

Home designed for passive solar heating by contributing ≥33% of the home’s annual heating needs - Requires Items #9, #39
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