Green homes are getting increasingly popular for a number of different reasons. Some people are motivated by environmental concerns, whereas others appreciate the significant savings enjoyed by using more energy-efficient appliances. In any case, it is important to get the support and access the expertise offered by different green homebuilding programs.

LEED for Homes is a national program that addresses this need, but there are also several different organizations across the country that are focused on building green homes and educating the public about green housing. Listed below are three examples of these green home programs.

Green Built Michigan

http://www.greenbuiltmichigan.org/

An independent organization, Green Built Michigan brings together several different people “committed to the construction of sustainable, superior quality homes.” Among the members of this voluntary partnership are home builders, industry supports, and sponsor.

This organization was founded by the Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids (HBAGGR) in 2000 and it is the officially endorsed green building program of the Michigan Association of Home Builders. Residential certification through Green Built Michigan addresses waste management, water efficiency, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, choice of building materials, and homeowner education.

EarthCraft House

http://www.earthcrafthouse.com/

Based out of the Atlanta area, EarthCraft House offers two main programs.

The New Homes Program is said to offer “home construction that’s naturally better.” This organization takes on a systems approach to provide a healthy living environment, improved air quality, and green homes that are the “right thing for the environment.” Energy efficiency is one of the primary objectives of a green home built by an EarthCraft House builder.

The Renovation Program takes an existing home and identifies areas that are in need of improvement. These include sources of high energy consumption, poor indoor air quality, inefficient insulation, uncomfortable rooms, and low combustion safety. EarthCraft House then assists homeowners with initiatives that can alleviate these problems, guiding them on the home’s environmental footprint. An EarthCraft inspector completes a worksheet when renovation is complete, repeating diagnostic tests to ensure that goals have been met.

Alliance for Environmental Sustainability

http://www.alliancees.org/

A non-profit organization founded in 2000, the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability aims to provide sustainable building education to both the general public and the building industry. Educating the public is absolutely critical to the green homes initiative and AES strives toward this goal.

Acting as a resource, the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability provides information regarding the options available for the design and building of green homes, as well as green initiatives for living in these structures. This includes energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality.

The AES website contains a member directory, consisting of manufacturers, vendors, and service providers. The organization also hosts various events throughout the year, like the Sustainable Solutions Expo and the Green Building Innovation Conference.