ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers consumers and businesses energy-efficient solutions to save energy, save money, and help protect the environment for future generations.

Most often, ENERGY STAR comes to mind when discussing appliances, lighting, electronics such as televisions and other such products. ENERGY STAR also applies to energy efficiency in buildings. ENERGY STAR  offers best practice solutions, like sealing and insulating your home, that can improve comfort and reduce energy costs.

Home builders and home buyers across the country are increasingly interested in green building. But what exactly makes a home green? Green building means improving the way that homes and home building sites use energy, water, and materials to reduce impacts on human health and the environment. Building a green home means making environmentally-preferable and sustainable decisions throughout the building process-decisions that will minimize the environmental impact of the home while it is being built and over the many years it will be lived in. 

Typical features to look for in ENERGY STAR qualified homes include:

• * An Efficient Home Envelope, with effective levels of wall, floor and attic insulation properly installed, comprehensive air barrier details, and high-performance windows

* Efficient Air Distribution, where ducts are installed with minimum air leakage and are effectively insulated;
* Efficient Equipment for heating, cooling, and water heating;
* Efficient Lighting, including fixtures that earn the ENERGY STAR; and
* Efficient Appliances, including ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers, refrigerators, and clothes washers.

Key energy efficiency improvements save homeowners money - about $200 to $400 per year on utility bills. More importantly, monthly energy savings can easily exceed any additional mortgage cost for the energy efficiency improvements, resulting in a positive cash flow from the first day of home ownership. As a result, the cost-effectiveness of ENERGY STAR improvements can help offset additional costs associated with other green home features.