Green and Energy Efficient Homes What you need to know

Transcription

1 Green and Energy Efficient Homes What you need to know

2 Introductions

3 Agenda Why green or energy efficiency? What does it mean for a home to be green or energy efficient? Energy Efficient Construction Techniques Consumer Benefits What role do Real Estate Agents play in this?

4 Why Green or Energy Efficiency? Money: Less energy used=lower power bills Bigger picture: Less energy used=less energy demand for utilities=less power plants=lower energy bills Health Comfort Safety Durability Environmentally Sound

5 Expected Electricity Demand Quadrillion Btu World Marketed Energy Consumption, History Projections Residential electricity demand is expected to increase 115% in 24 years EIA, International Energy Statistics database (as of November 2009), web site Projections: EIA, World Energy Projection System Plus (2010).

6 Your Customers May Not Realize Image Provided by US Energy Information Administration

7 Some Statistics Consumers are increasingly interested in going green: 63% of Americans are searching for greener products* 44% say they are looking for greener products in home improvement product areas* In 2009, 67% said that an Energy Star certification of a home would somewhat or very much influence their decision to buy a home, assuming price, size and location were the same Green building begins with energy efficiency because it tackles the most critical issues first *Shelton group research

8 More Statistics Consumers are increasingly interested in going green: 22% of U.S. energy consumption is used by homes 17% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced by homes These facts have lead to an increase in green building Green building begins with energy efficiency because it tackles the most critical issues first

9 What Is The Impact Of An Energy Efficient Home? Saving just 15% of a home s energy avoids pollution equivalent to: Parking your car for two months every year Planting 200 trees every year

10 Green Jargon

11 What Is An Energy Efficient Home? Energy efficient homes incorporate a Systems Approach of building practices based on building science Improved building practices will: Reduce the overall amount of energy a home uses Increase health, safety, comfort, durability and environmental responsibility

12 What are ENERGY STAR Government-backed label New Homes? At least 15% more efficient than local code Third-party verified Whole-home performance Voluntary proof of your leadership

13 Energy Efficient and Green Home Programs 30-50% of green building point systems are related to energy efficiency 1 Energy Efficiency Envelope Distribution Equipment Lighting Appliances 2 Indoor Environment Bulk Moisture Radon Pest Control Ventilation Combustion Safety Materials Commissioning 3 Resource Efficiency Site Planning Water Materials Renewables Waste Management

14 Programs in NC ENERGY STAR is one example of an Energy Efficient Home Program based on building science and specific building construction practices Others in NC: NC HealthyBuilt Homes NAHB Green Building LEED for Homes Earth Craft House Environments For Living

15 Criteria for Energy Efficient Homes 1 2 Effective Insulation Tight Construction and Ducts Efficient Equipment 4 High Performance Windows 5 3 rd Party Verification 5 4

16 Feature Effective Insulation Fills the entire cavity Increases energy efficiency The insulation can work to its full potential Improves comfort Reduces likelihood of moisture issues 1

17 The New Greening of America Blue jean insulation? Energy efficient? Eco-friendly? Image courtesy of Newsweek

18 The New Greening of America 4 out of the 5 fatal flaws of insulation installation Misalignment everywhere Compression Gaps Voids Image courtesy of Newsweek

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20 Sloped ceiling in master bedroom

21 Sloped ceiling in master bedroom SUMMER

22 Misalignment R-0.45 Insulation is not touching the sheetrock air barrier

23 Improperly installed insulation

24 Gap in insulation

25 Fiberglass batts properly installed

26 Blown cellulose properly installed

27 Spray foam properly installed

28 Spray foam properly installed on roof deck

29 Feature Air Sealing Air Sealing: Building a Tight House Improves air quality Less dust, pollen, car exhaust fumes and insects Saves money! Less conditioned air lost to the outside Improves comfort Reduces noise, drafts and moisture 2

30 Properly capped chase

31 Improper hole cut in a capped chase

32 Fibrous insulation does NOT air seal

33 Properly capped and sealed chase

34 No air seal at bottom plate

35 Properly air sealed bottom plate

36 No blocking at garage wall and house

37 170 Sq. Inches Of Hole Exist Between The Garage And Home No air seal around blocking

38 Properly blocked and air sealed

39 Feature Sealed Ductwork Ducts sealed with mastic and tested: Avoid drawing in attic and crawlspace air Less dust, dirt, fiberglass and other bionasties Eliminate up to 15% of lost heating and cooling Improve comfort 2

40 Improperly installed ducts and not sealed

41 Improperly sealed system

42 Ducts properly sealed with mastic

43 Ducts properly sealed with mastic

44 Ducts properly sealed with mastic

45 Feature Efficient Equipment Efficient, properly sized HVAC systems: Use less energy Reduce indoor humidity Are quieter than other systems Efficient Appliances ENERGY STAR qualified Use less energy 3

46 Energy Efficient Equipment As much as half of the energy used in homes goes to heating and cooling. Therefore, equipment plays a critical role in the efficiency of a home. If a system is installed that is too large for the home, it not only costs more, but it also operates less efficiently and can cause comfort and humidity problems.

47 Energy Efficient Equipment Energy Efficient Home Programs often have specific requirements for the type of equipment installed. These requirements are usually focused on the SEER rating of the equipment. Higher SEER ratings = more efficient energy use. Remember: Equipment must be properly sized and installed correctly to achieve its SEER.

48 ENERGY STAR Products Energy Efficient Home Programs will often require the use of ENERGY STAR certified lighting and appliances Look for this label to know if it s an ENERGY STAR qualified appliance

49 Why Is Lighting Important In Homes? Lighting is the most cost effective way to save electricity and reduce energy bills Lighting accounts for up to 10% of residential electricity use - about $11 Billion/year in power bills As electricity rates rise, consumers look for ways to save that they can do themselves

50 Feature Energy Efficient Windows Ensure better comfort and energy savings Decrease fading on carpets and other furnishings 4

51 Gaps around windows allow air in

52 Fibrous insulation does NOT air seal

53 Properly air sealed window

54 Features and Benefits Features Properly Installed Insulation Airtight Home Energy Efficient Windows Efficient, Correctly Sized Mechanical Equipment Mastic Sealed Ductwork Energy Efficient Lighting Benefits Increases comfort, reduces noise, saves money Eliminates drafts, increases comfort, improves indoor air quality, saves money Increase comfort, prevent fading on furnishings or carpets, save money Increases comfort, lasts longer, controls humidity, saves money Increase comfort, improves air quality, saves money Saves money

55 How do you know it s an Energy Efficient Home? Labels and Certificates The 3 rd party inspection importance Questions to ask the seller/builder

56 Labels and Certificates

57 Labels and Certificates

58 Third-Party Verification Duct blaster test measures the leakiness of ducts Blower door test measures air leakage in the building envelope

59 Feature Third-Party Verification Third-Party Verification: Quality Assurance HERS Raters inspect homes several times during the construction process Often they model homes using software to determine the appropriate mix of measures needed to achieve a certain level of performance Assist builder and subs Not just another inspector 5

60 A Checklist for a Home Buyer Builder Name Home Energy Rater Company Name: Low E Windows High Efficiency HVAC Ducts are sealed with mastic Energy Star Appliances Insulation was inspected and received GRADE I The home is air sealed and a test has been done to confirm tightness Label or Certificate to prove the home is certified ENERGY EFFICIENT or GREEN

61 What s the Difference? A B

62 Benefits To Consumers The benefits you can t see Low ownership costs Better investments Increased health, safety and durability

63 Benefits To Consumers Energy efficient homes are: High-performing = Quality Saving money = Affordability Helping the environment = Responsibility What resonates with your customers?

64 Benefits To Consumers Typical + Energy Efficient Features = Additional Benefits Price Location Facade Floor plan Effective insulation Efficient windows Tight construction & ducts Efficient equipment Quieter More comfortable No drafts Fewer pests Amenities Third-party verified Better indoor air quality Higher quality Less maintenance What resonates with your customers?

65 Energy Efficiency Adds Value Investment Return Example: A typical energy efficient home saves homeowners $35 a month in energy costs Lower Maintenance Cost - Avoided moisture damage - Low-e windows reduce damage to furnishings and wood floors - Longer lasting equipment Higher Resale Value - Track record of low bills - Reduced obsolescence compared to other homes - Government-backed label for highperformance

66 Consumer Demand Consumer demand for energy efficient homes is growing because consumers want: Better built, more comfortable homes with cleaner indoor air Lower monthly utility bills as a result of energy efficient construction Environmentally friendly homes

67 For Real Estate Professionals You can increase customer satisfaction by helping others sell and buy energy efficient homes that are: More comfortable Require less maintenance Have improved indoor air quality Cost less to own

68 ATTRACTING BUYERS SIGNAGE

69 Resources Use the ENERGY STAR website to become an expert on this Energy Efficient Home Program s features and benefits

70 Communication is the key! Builders /Seller Home Energy Raters Real Estate Agents Appraisers Lenders Home Buyer/ Buyer s Agent

71 Promote Energy Efficiency as a MUST HAVE Feature Support the addition of qualified energy efficient /green homes into your local MLS searchable listings database.

72 Snapshot from the MLS

73 Snapshot from the MLS

74 Working with Appraisers How can you make sure the value of an energy efficient home is reflected in the appraisal? 1) Ask the builder for the energy rater s contact information 2) Ask the rater for the report 3) Leave the report in the home for the appraiser to easily find and communicate with the appraiser- you are allowed to talk with appraisers!

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76 Working with Appraisers 4. Check the Green Home certification box on the MLS sheet 5. Add words to the comment section of the MLS such as ENERGY STAR, Green, Efficient 6. Educate buyers on the features of a green or energy efficient home!

77 Next Steps Questions Summary You won t use information if you don t think it s important You can t discuss what you don t understand Training only works when it s put to work

78 Thank You! Contact us to learn more: