What Is Green Building?

PR Builders Practical Approach to Green Building

There are many shades of green in the marketplace today. Green building goes beyond product selection to include integrated design, construction and detailed installation. Our staff are trained and certified in green building practices, and we offer testing and third-party verification to back up our work with proven results.

What could green building mean in your home? For all new homes, renovation projects and home improvements, you'll receive a customized project assessment to help you make informed decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis of green building strategies. You’ll see where improvements in insulation, ENERGY STAR appliances, high performance windows and energy efficient heating and cooling equipment can reduce your utility bills.

Green building starts behind the walls with air sealing and improved insulation. Then we look at heating and cooling equipment that is energy efficient and distributes air evenly for improved comfort. We pay special attention to water and resource conservation and offer sustainable materials with recycled content and low emissions. These strategies translate into improved durability and reduced maintenance.

 

Green Building Certifications and Labels PR Builders Offers

ENERGY STAR for New Homes

Awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than standard code built homes. ENERGY STAR homes are inspected by an independent third-party rater to have better insulation, high-performance windows, fewer air leaks and efficient heating and cooling equipment and appliances.

» Move in to our ENERGY STAR homes in the Village at Springbrook Farms

» Learn more about the features and benefits of ENERGY STAR on their website

 

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

For existing homes, PR Builders performs energy audits and installs cost-effective energy upgrades as a participant in the PA Home Performance program through PA Home Energy. Home Performance is national program of the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE offering a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving home efficiency and uncovering the source of comfort, moisture and durability issues.

» Improve your home's efficiency with an energy audit

 

LEED for Homes

The U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes Rating System to certify residential green building practices across the country. LEED Homes are built on the ENERGY STAR for New Homes guidelines and include additional measures for water efficiency, indoor air quality, materials selection, sustainable sites and landscaping.

LEED Homes have lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. We're partnered with Everyday Green, LEED Homes raters and experts, to help you reach your LEED certification goals.

 

NAHB National Green Building Standard

This standard, administered by the National Association of Homebuilders, has four threshold levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald. Homes can range from entry-level green up to achieving energy savings of 60% or more. Single-family & multi-unit homes, residential remodeling projects, and site developments are all covered in the Standard. » More