Frequently Asked Questions

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We spend a lot of time thinking about green homes, and we love educating interested people in what we do! Here are just some of the questions the team at BPC Green Builders is regularly asked about our work and our industry. 

What is green building?

Green building is the practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings to be both environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The goal of a custom green home from BPC Green Builders is to both build a home that’s better for the environment and is healthier, more comfortable, longer-lasting, and more affordable to own than a traditionally built house.

What are some other names for green homes?

Green homes can also be called:

  • Sustainable homes
  • Eco-friendly homes
  • Environmentally responsible homes
  • High-performance homes

The definition of what exactly a green home is compared to, say, a high-performance home can vary, but often these terms are used interchangeably. There are also a number of different building standards and certifications for green and energy efficient homes.

What are the different types of green building certifications and standards?

BPC Green Builders builds homes that meet many different types of green building certifications and standards, including:

Each certification has its own set of criteria and standards for green building practices.

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What is “greenwashing”?

Greenwashing is the practice of making false or exaggerated claims about the environmental benefits of a home. Greenwashing can be done intentionally as a deceptive marketing tactic intended to mislead homebuyers, but it can also be done unintentionally by home builders who lack the proper training, education, and certification to know what real green home building entails.

What are the main elements of green building?

As an energy efficient home builder, we take green building very seriously, and there are a number of different components that BPC considers when planning and building a green home, including;

  • Location of the house on the property
  • Renovation versus new construction
  • Proper green home design and engineering
  • Energy efficiency
  • Green home building materials
  • Proper green home construction methods and quality standards
  • Alternative energy sources
  • Water conservation
  • Size of the home
  • Size and location of the property
  • Utility policies
  • Cost and ROI

Read more about the factors that make BPC Green Homes green.

Do BPC Green Homes cost more than traditionally built homes?

Apples to apples, green homes can cost more to build initially, but they can also provide significant long-term savings through reduced energy and water bills. With rising energy costs, new green homeowners are able to recoup their investment in a new green house faster than ever.

But green homes don’t HAVE to cost more than traditional homes. There are many different factors and design elements that can raise and lower the price of any new home, green or not. Additionally, some green building practices, such as using locally sourced materials, can actually reduce costs.

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Are green buildings better for the environment?

Green homes use fewer resources, generate less waste, and emit fewer pollutants than traditionally built homes. They also have a smaller carbon footprint, which helps to mitigate climate change. At every step of the new home building process, including design, construction, energy use, materials, and systems, BPC Green Builders uses environmentally friendly, sustainable practices to ensure your new home is not only comfortable and healthy for your family but good for the planet, too.

What are the benefits of living in a custom green home?

The benefits of living in a custom green home include lower energy and water bills, improved indoor air quality, increased comfort and livability, and a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, green homes are often more durable and require less maintenance than traditionally built homes.

At BPC Green Builders, all of our custom green homes:

  1. Live better
  2. Perform better
  3. Last longer
  4. Cost less to own
  5. Are environmentally responsible

Are green homes healthier?

Yes, green homes can be healthier than traditionally built homes because they use non-toxic building materials, provide better ventilation, and reduce the risk of mold and other indoor pollutants. This can lead to improved respiratory health and fewer allergy and asthma symptoms. BPC can build your home to meet the exact health needs of the individuals living inside it, including child-friendly or aging-in-place considerations.

Do BPC green homes always have solar panels?

No, green homes don’t always have solar panels. While solar panels are a popular and effective way to generate clean energy, there are many other factors that go into building a green home, such as using high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, and windows.

It’s a common misconception that solar panels alone make a home “green.” But in fact, a home with solar panels installed can still be wasting or using lots of energy due to poor insulation and air sealing or inefficient and improperly installed heating and cooling systems and appliances. BPC builds some homes that have solar panels, and others that don’t. We also can build what is called a “Zero Energy Ready” home, which is a home that will become a “Net Zero Home” if solar panels are installed at a later date.

What green building practices do BPC Green Builders follow?

As a custom green home builder, we follow a variety of green building practices, including:

  • Using sustainable building materials
  • Designing for energy efficiency
  • Incorporating passive solar design
  • Following green home construction standards

We also prioritize indoor air quality, water conservation, and site design to create healthy, comfortable, and environmentally friendly homes.

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Do green buildings last longer than traditionally built homes?

Green buildings can last longer than traditionally built homes because they are designed and constructed with a focus on durability and longevity. Green building practices include using high-quality building materials, incorporating proper moisture management techniques, and designing for energy efficiency, all of which contribute to a home’s longevity. Additionally, green buildings often require less maintenance over time, which can extend their lifespan.

Do green homes sell for more than traditionally built homes?

Studies have shown that green homes have a higher resale value than traditionally built homes, including a 2019 study in New York City, which showed that green homes with solar panels sold for 5.4% more than comparable non-green homes. More and more homebuyers are educated about and interested in energy efficiency, and the energy savings—not to mention the improved health and comfort of green homes—can make them more attractive to buyers, which can also contribute to their higher sale price.

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Do BPC Green Homes come with all ENERGY STAR appliances?

Green new homes may come with ENERGY STAR appliances, but this is not always the case. ENERGY STAR appliances are highly energy efficient and can help reduce a home’s energy consumption and utility bills. We work with homebuyers to install appliances that are well-built and energy efficient. Sometimes this means ENERGY STAR, sometimes it doesn’t. BPC Green Builders will always prioritize quality, reliability, and durability over a sticker!

Have additional questions related to building a custom green home? Call (203) 563-9909 or contact BPC Green Builders today to talk to a member of our team.