Earth Advantage

http://www.earthadvantage.com

Earth Advantage is a non-profit organization that works to promote energy efficient homes and works with builders and homebuyers teaching them how to make energy efficient, sustainable, healthy homes. 

Earth Advantage is a third-party certification program for new home construction. The comprehensive standard addresses energy efficiency, resource efficiency, water use, land development and health. EA staff visit each construction site at least twice to visually inspect specific features and conduct performance testing, such as building air leakage and duct leakage measurements. Earth Advantage has certified around 9,000 homes since 1999.

The minimum energy efficiency target for Earth Advantage homes is 15 percent above the current Oregon building code. Most EA homes achieve ENERGY STAR certification as well as EA certification. It's important to note that Oregon code is substantially higher than many other building codes and the International Energy Conservation Code which is a standard benchmark.

Earth Advantage offers higher levels of certification, including Silver, Gold and Platinum. All certification levels are being retooled and will become more rigorous in 2008.

Energy Efficiency:

At minimum, an Earth Advantage home is designed to improve energy efficiency by 15 percent over a conventionally built home. The incorporation of products such as energy-efficient windows, appliances, mechanical systems and light fixtures can add up to lower energy usage and greater comfort year round.

Indoor Air Quality:

Indoor air quality is a high priority in the construction of an Earth Advantage home. Options include air filtration systems, controlled ventilation and low-toxic building materials

Environmental Responsibility:

The same building materials in an Earth Advantage home that improve indoor air quality also contribute to a cleaner environment, as less toxic products reduce atmospheric pollutants. Earth Advantage homes may also employ site measures that minimize environmental impact such as recycling job site waste, preserving topsoil and trees, and adding native plants to the landscape.

Resource Efficiency:

Highly efficient appliances save energy and conserve our region's resources. Many items can be made with a high-recycled content, such as carpet crafted from plastic pop bottles, ceramic tile, paint and insulation. Flooring made from bamboo can make a big difference by minimizing the use of timber. Construction techniques such as steel framing, use of concrete foam blocks and brick will save wood in the home's structure.

Criteria needed to become Earth Advantage Certified:

• Home must be performance tested to save energy and increase comfort
  
• Third-party inspected and certified to be 15% more energy efficient then standard building practices
  
• Building materials and methods designed to conserve natural resources
  
• Fresh-air ventilation system designed to conserve natural resources
  
• Low or no VOC products used in construction
  
• HVAC ductwork sealing for optimum operational efficiency
  
• Dedicated compact fluorescent light fixtures to save energy
  
• Whole-house ventilation system
  
• Energy efficient appliances
  
• Energy efficient windows (U-value not to exceed .35)