What are the Environmental Benefits?
Home energy use accounts for nearly 17% of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and 15% of energy consumption nationwide. Green Building can significantly reduce global warming impacts, minimize ozone depletion, and decrease toxic emissions. Since 1995 more than 350,000 of the nation’s new homes have earned an ENERGY STAR label, saving home owners an estimated $200 million and eliminated approximately 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions of about 150,000 vehicles. Therefore, by building and buying ENERGY STAR qualified homes, homebuilders and home buyers can help reduce air pollution and lessen other environmental problems such as global warming, smog, and acid rain.
