The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has received a lot of attention for its LEED program. Its popularity has lead numerous municipalities and states to require new public buildings (over a minimum size) to be certified through LEED. However, LEED is not the only program out there that certifies green buildings. The EarthCraft House program is another way residential projects can receive certification for being “green”.
EarthCraft House program was conceived in 1999 by the Southface Energy Institute (a leading building science institute) in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. What is really important for us is that the guidelines for EarthCraft House were developed for our climate, the most difficult climate to build in: mixed temperatures and humid (sound familiar?). Several years later the program was fine tuned for the climatic conditions in Virginia. The result was EarthCraft Virginia.
The program utilizes a points-based system similar to LEED. Certain building practices are required and then additional measures that exceed the baseline will be awarded with points. It takes at least 150 points to be certified. The program seeks to be builder-friendly. EarthCraft House provides training and on-site guidance for builders. Also, less documentation is required compared to the LEED program.
EarthCraft House views energy efficiency as the highest priority in sustainability. They treat the house as a machine, a whole system that needs to be tuned properly. Its easy for stylish products like bamboo flooring and recycled glass countertops can take attention away from more important (and boring) aspects like HVAC systems, a proper caulking. Every effort is made to build a house that is tight as possible. Half of the necessary points are achieved by insulating and sealing “holes” in the building shell. The remaining points are achieved through water conservation, good indoor air quality, durability, efficient use of resources etc.
Homes seeking EarthCraft House certification are required to pass a blower-door test and a duct blast test. During the blower-door test, the house is pressurized and the “leakiness” of the entire house is measured. The duct blast test measures the “leakiness” of the ductwork. This testing verifies that the house was constructed in the best way possible. You would be surprised to know how often ducts are not properly sealed, walls are not properly insulated and there are literally holes in you house. When attention is given to those items, the house will cost fractions to heat and cool and remain comfortable, healthy and durable.
There have been numerous EarthCraft homes certified in our area. Hope Community Builders, The Hine Group, as well as A. M. Yoder and Co.have completed EarthCraft homes (let me know if I missed any). Also, check out Scott Rogers’ blog for more information.
