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GreenPoint Rating


Introducing GreenPoint Rated Homes. Your assurance of a better place to live.

There's been a lot of talk about so-called green homes. And for good reason. Environmentally friendly homes not only save resources and money, they can last longer and hold their value better than similarly priced homes. But how can you tell if a home really is better for the environment and healthier for your family? Enter GreenPoint Rated. GreenPoint Rated removes the guesswork and offers an objective rating system, allowing you to compare homes on a level playing field.

You see, a GreenPoint Rated home is rated on five different environmental categories, including:
  1. Energy Efficiency
  2. Resource Conservation
  3. Indoor Air Quality
  4. Water Conservation
  5. Community
Each home is then given an overall GreenPoint score. If that score is above 50, then it earns the right to be a GreenPoint Rated home. And because GreenPoint Rated homes are evaluated by independent, certified raters, you receive third-party assurance that your high-quality home is better for you and the environment.

Energy

GreenPoint Rated homes are misers when it comes to energy use. They're built using the latest in insulating and efficiency techniques, meaning you'll save money on your utility bills. But that’s not all. GreenPoint Rated homes are quieter and less drafty than ordinary homes, making life inside your home more comfortable. And because homes account for roughly 31% of the electricity consumed by the state, you’ll be doing your part to reduce the demand on California's power grid. This means your home will help reduce the amount of air pollution released by power plants, including gases that cause global warming.

Resources

GreenPoint Rated homes use less of our precious natural resources than conventional homes. Jobsite materials are recycled during construction. Homes often use more durable, specially engineered building materials and sustainably harvested lumber to protect oldgrowth forests. They include recycled-content products that keep waste out of landfills. For example, decking materials made of recycled plastic mixed with wood waste fibers can last up to five times longer than wood decking and never need to be treated or painted. It's all part of the GreenPoint Rated way–reducing waste, improving quality, and saving you money.

Air

Ah, that new home smell. But did you know that could be a telltale sign that a home contains potentially harmful fumes and gases? Certain adhesives, paints, and floor finishes used in typical homes contain compounds that are known to cause cancer or trigger asthma. GreenPoint Rated homes use proven and effective strategies to improve air quality inside of a home. A GreenPoint Rated home scores points if it uses non-toxic paints, finishes, and particleboard. Some GreenPoint Rated homes also use advanced filtration systems that reduce your family’s exposure to dust and mold. Each part of a GreenPoint Rated home is designed so you and your family will breathe a bit easier.

Water

Piles of laundry. Baths before bedtime. Thirsty lawns and flower gardens. California's population is booming, and the demand on our limited water supply is under increasing pressure. But fortunately, GreenPoint Rated Homes are designed to use water more efficiently and effectively. Gardens and landscaping are designed to use less water. GreenPoint Rated homes are given higher scores if their appliances are as efficient with water as they are effective at getting the job done. This will mean that you'll have lower water bills. It's all part of a GreenPoint Rated strategy to save you money while saving our resources.

Community

Part of living green is understanding that a healthy family life extends beyond the walls of your home. When homes are built using fewer resources, we create healthier, more livable communities. This will not only benefit your family and your neighborhood, but it will make life better for all Californians. And that’s what GreenPoint Rated homes are all about—making life better for you, your family, and your community.

The People Behind GreenPoint Rated

GreenPoint Rated is a program of Build It Green–a professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient buildings in California. Supported by a solid foundation of outreach and education, Build It Green connects consumers and building professionals with the tools and technical expertise they need to build quality green buildings.

Build It Green trains and certifies raters to evaluate whether new home construction projects meet program standards. Certified GreenPoint Raters are experienced building industry professionals who have completed extensive technical training and passed written and field exams. They must also meet quality assurance reviews and continuing education credits to maintain certification.


KATHLEEN CLIFFORD
CHRIS GLAVE
JIM KING