Building a new eco-friendly home or renovating an existing home to be more sustainable is a great way to both help the environment by minimizing your carbon footprint and take advantage of the cost savings from reducing your energy use. But what does it actually mean to build a green, energy-efficient home? And which house materials and systems are most impactful? (Hint: It involves more than simply installing LED lights.) Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about going green construction of your new build or renovation.
What are the fundamentals of green building practices?
There are six core principles of green construction that guide the building process.
- Energy efficiency: Reducing the amount of energy your home uses through improvements in design and systems, such as insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, appliances, and renewable energy sources.
- Water conservation: Increasing water efficiency by implementing drought-resistant, low-maintenance landscaping; rainwater harvesting; low-flow fixtures; and water-efficient appliances.
- Resource conservation: Opting for sustainable building choices, from recycled items and renewable resources to locally sourced products and durable materials with longevity.
- Indoor environmental quality: Creating a healthy indoor environment by prioritizing non-toxic products, natural ventilation, daylighting, and biophilic design elements.
- Waste reduction: Minimizing waste during and after the construction process, which includes participating in recycling programs, reusing materials, designing for future disassembly and material recovery, and installing recycling and composting systems.
- Site development and land use: Maintaining natural surroundings by preserving existing vegetation and natural habitats, implementing erosion and sediment control measures, and placing the home in the best position for solar gain and natural ventilation. Our Building on Your Lot guide explains other conditions homeowners should evaluate before purchasing or designing around a property.
What are the cost savings associated with green building practices?
Many homeowners consider energy-efficient or green building options because of the positive environmental impact, but this eco-friendly approach to building a new home or renovating an existing one also comes with cost-saving benefits.
- Lower utility bills: The more energy-efficient your home is, the less expensive your utility bills will be.
- Reduced maintenance costs: High-performance materials tend to be more durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.
- Tax incentives: Whether you are building a green home from the ground-up or simply replacing one appliance with a more energy-efficient option, there are many state and federal tax credits and rebates—such as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit—that reward homeowners for investing in sustainability.
- Insurance savings: Energy-efficient homes are inherently less risky because of the high-quality, durable materials and products used during construction. For that reason, many insurance providers offer discounts for eco-friendly homes.
What are some impactful green, energy-efficient building materials and systems?
High-performance insulation: Having a well-insulated home is the foundation for energy efficiency, keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Make sure attics, basements, and walls are properly insulated with high-performance materials like fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, and rigid foam boards. On a separate City Homes project, Net Zero Haven, we incorporated triple-pane windows and continuous exterior insulation as part of the home’s high-performance building envelope.
Low-VOC finishes: When it comes to paints, sealants, and adhesives, look for low- or no-VOC products that release fewer harmful chemicals, leading to better indoor air quality.
LED lights: Lighting makes up 15 percent of an average home’s electricity use, so one of the simplest ways to improve energy efficiency in your home is to opt for LED bulbs rather than incandescent ones, leading to a cost savings of about $225 per year.
Energy-efficient appliances: Whether it’s a refrigerator, dishwasher, heat pump, or air conditioner, energy-efficient appliances use less water, electricity, or gas than their standard counterparts. Energy Star estimates that households can save 30 percent on utility bills and avoid 77,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over the life of energy-efficient products.
High-performance windows: Heat gain and loss through windows account for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, so installing high-performance windows is key for maintaining an energy-efficient home. For cold climates like Minnesota, go with gas-filled windows with low-E coatings to reduce heat loss and low U-factors for better thermal resistance. Our job is to help clients understand the effect custom-home design choices may have on comfort and energy use so they can make informed decisions. 
Sustainable building materials: Instead of using brand new materials for every aspect of your home build or renovation, try to incorporate more sustainable items. Think: reclaimed wooden beams, recycled glass tiles, or bamboo floors. In addition to having a smaller environmental footprint, these cost-effective materials for building a house can help infuse your spaces with personality and individuality.
Renewable Energy Systems: Switching to renewable energy systems to power your home, like solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, and solar water heaters, provide benefits like energy independence, a reduced carbon footprint, and cost savings from lower heating and cooling bills. City Homes completed Electric Elegance, an all-electric home in Edina, with a negative HERS Index score. The project included eight geothermal wells, solar panels, a SPAN smart electrical panel, induction cooking and an electric fireplace. A HERS rating provides a useful measurement, but the score does not replace quality construction. Proper installation, testing, system commissioning and operation remain important. Homeowners can learn more from the official RESNET HERS Index resource.
Alternative roofing options: Do good for the environment and simultaneously maximize your usable outdoor space by installing a green roof, or rooftop garden, which reduces air pollution, enhances stormwater management, and improves indoor comfort. Cool roofing is another option that reflects solar heat, taking pressure off air conditioning systems and reducing energy use.
Smart technology: From lighting and appliances to security systems and shades, smart technology can be applied to most systems in your home. Beyond adding a layer of convenience to everyday activities and routines, smart technology can also aid in your energy-saving efforts. Smart thermostats, for example, automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you’re away or asleep, while smart sprinklers conserve water by only running when local weather conditions warrant it.
How do you find sustainable home builders who follow green building practices?
When interviewing builders for your home project, ask about their green certifications. In addition to obtaining Green Path Certification, City Homes has signed partnership agreements with Energy Star and Zero Energy Ready Homes, showcasing our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building environmentally conscious homes. City Homes has also been recognized through the Minnesota Green Path program. Comfort, indoor-air quality and ease of living can also support a homeowner’s ability to remain in the home over time. Learn more about City Homes’ approach to aging-in-place design.
