Resources Directory
NC Programs
Healthy Built Homes
The NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program provides a certificate for homes meeting "green home guidelines" built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high performance building strategies making the home a comfortable, healthy and affordable place that reduces energy and water usage, promotes renewable energy use and helps protect the land where the home is built.
In a HealthyBuilt Home, building materials and processes are selected to reduce pollution and the waste of natural resources during the manufacturing and construction phases and throughout the life of the home. The builder is encouraged to provide homeowner education about the high performance features of the home and provide local resources for "green" living.
- HealthyBuilt Homes in your area
- Program Information: http://healthybuilthomes.org/
- Northwest NC Community Partner: http://www.energy.appstate.edu/hbh.php
- Greater Asheville Community Partner: http://www.wncgbc.org/healthybuilt/
Related Publications
Passive Solar Planbook
Passive solar homes are designed to take advantage of local climates by maximizing the energy from the sun to heat and cool the home. This book provides the fundamentals and components of passive solar design. A collection of floor plans that work in a variety of sites in North Carolina are also included in this book. The passive solar house plans in this book are affordable homes that are less than 1300 square feet and focus on energy efficiency.
There are many benefits to passive solar design for the homeowner and the environment. By reducing energy consumption, the homeowner can save money on utility bills and help prevent air pollution from electricity generating plants that burn fossil fuels. Passive solar design elements make a home comfortable year round while bringing in natural light from the increased glass on the southern side. Natural light reduces energy consumption and provides a visual connection to the outdoors.
Passive solar design can easily be incorporated into any architectural style given you have the proper site. Such design strategies have been used effectively for hundreds of years. There is a small increase in the cost of construction, but the home has lower annual energy and maintenance costs overall.
ENERGY STAR Publications
https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=publications.showPublications
ENERGY STAR offers free publications on many topics related to the ENERGY STAR program and energy efficiency technology and techniques. Publications may be downloaded in PDF format or ordered via mail. Several key publications are also available in spanish.
Web Links
State Energy Office
Advanced Energy
WNC Green Building Council
