EarthCraft House

EarthCraft House is a green building program created in 1999 as a partnership between the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Southface Energy Institute that teaches builders the latest methods of resource and energy-efficient construction. [http://www.havenproperties.com/earthcraft/]

Because of the requirements for air sealing the home, EarthCraft homes are more energy efficient than conventional homes. EarthCraft House is also partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Home program. Such homes are 30 percent more efficient than the benchmark 1993 Model Energy Code. [http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/rh_0405_earthcraft.html]

The ECH program requires each house to be inspected and tested beforehand so that many problems involving the building envelope, or heating and cooling systems can be identified and fixed before the homeowner moves in. Homebuilders hope that the increased energy efficiency and durability of an EarthCraft House will offset a higher price tag.

References

* [http://www.havenproperties.com/earthcraft/ Haven Properties website]
* [http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/rh_0405_earthcraft.html EarthCraft House Integrates Building America Research to Achieve Higher Levels of Energy Savings] "U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy", April 2005

External links

* [http://www.earthcrafthouse.com EarthCraft House] official site
* [http://www.atlantahomebuilders.com Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association]