Built Green Programs & Checklists

Introduced in 1995, Built Green Colorado was created through the joint efforts of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA), The Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC), Xcel Energy, and E-Star Colorado.

A voluntary program, its purpose is to encourage homebuilders, multi-family builders, architects and developers to use technologies, products and practices that will:

• Provide greater energy efficiency and reduce pollution
• Provide healthier indoor air
• Reduce water usage
• Preserve natural resources
• Improve durability and reduce maintenance

Every home, multi-family building and community registered with the program must meet the specific program’s criteria. These criteria, contained in the multiple Built Green Checklists, include a menu of options addressing a range of items from which the builder must select to reach a minimum point total. Because of the range and number of options available under the checklists every homebuilder, multi-family builder and developer may build "green" a little differently. Only those homes units or communities registered with the program may receive the Built Green designation.

The program provides a range of technical support and training opportunities to assist builders and developers in making their checklist choices, as well as follow-up support. As a quality control for the builders, developers and the program, units and communities are inspected for Built Green compliance. This is an extremely important component of the program, as it brings enhanced credibility as well as meaningful educational and technical support to the builders and developers.

It is also the purpose of the program to inform and educate the home-buying public on the value of the Built Green criteria. But, perhaps most importantly, the homebuyer will know that a Built Green home, condo, apartment or community is a better built place to live.