Buildings consume approximately 37% of the energy and 68% of the electricity produced in the United States, annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.1 With the increasing costs of energy, a typical low-income household may spend up to 14% of its annual income on energy.2 Green built homes utilize energy efficiency methods in construction that greatly reduce a homebuyer’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources. When solar panels are introduced into the construction of the City’s Green Building Demonstration Project, homebuyers will be able to produce enough energy for their homes, so as to completely cut the homeowner’s reliance on outside energy sources.

Energy efficient methods of construction utilized in the City’s Green Building Demonstration Project include the following: 1) use of Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) for increased insulation, 2) installation of skylights throughout the homes to reduce reliance on electricity, 3) construction of a virtually air tight building envelope to reduce energy loss, 4) installation of energy-star appliances, and 5) use of an energy-efficient HVAC.

Reducing energy consumption - particularly from nonrenewable sources - will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating, manufacturing, and consumption costs.3 Not only will the individual families benefit from a reduced energy bill, but the environment, and city will benefit from reduced air contamination.

The construction of these energy efficient homes is expected to provide a wide range of benefits to the homeowners and the environment.

EPA funds will be used to track the energy use of the Green Building Demonstration Project homes, and compare those findings to the energy use of conventionally built homes. The City expects to find the financial, health and environmental benefits of the energy-efficient homes to be in stark contrast to that of a conventionally built home.


It is expected that the findings will spur a broader acceptance for the use of energy-efficient and improved indoor air quality methods in new housing construction.

1 Source: www.greenbiz.com
2 Source: www.waptac.org
3 Source: www.greenbiz.com