Green Design and Building Sources

Energy Star
www.energystar.gov/

  • US Department of Energy guidelines for the energy-efficiency of appliances, heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, and roofing products.  Rating awarded typically to appliances in roughly the top 25% of efficiency in their category.

Water efficient fixtures and appliances
www.epa.gov/watersense

  • A partnership sponsored by the EPA to promote water-efficient products and practices.

US Green Building Council
www.usgbc.org

  • The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings accessible to everyone within a generation.  Administers LEED certification, which is the most strenuous program available.

Earth Craft House
www.earthcrafthouse.com  www.ecvirginia.org

  • EarthCraft House Green Home Construction Certification Program endorsed by the National Association of Home Builders

US Green Building Council
www.greenhomesguide.org

US Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/about.html

  • Shows how easy it is to save energy at home and on the road.

AIA Committee on the Environment
www.aia.org/cote_default

Forest Stewardship Council
www.fscus.org

  • Certifies that wood has been sustainable harvested, protected to last for future generations.  The greenest choice in purchasing wood products.

GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality
www.greenguard.org

  • Standards of low chemical emissions for adhesives, appliances, ceilings, flooring, insulation, paint, and wall covering products.

Green Seal 
www.greenseal.org

  • Environmental Standard for paints and coatings, household cleaners, windows and doors, paper, and hotels.  Dates back to the 1990’s

Scientific Certification Systems
www.scscertified.com

  • Environmentally preferable products and services, recycled content, biodegradability, indoor air quality, and other single-attribute environmental claims

Cradle to Cradle certification
www.c2ccertified.com

  • Setting a high standard for “environmentally intelligent” design.  Examines the entire life-cycle of a material to ensure the most environmentally friendly material available.

Rainwater Management Solutions 
www.rainwatermanagement.com

Rainwater Harvesting Productswww.jrsmith.com/products/rainwater_harvesting/index.htm

Green Label Plus
www.carpet-rug.org

  • Low-emitting carpets and rugs

Environmental Working Group               
www.ewg.org

Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org

Green products
www.greendepot.com

Green Advantage
www.greenadvantage.org/index.php