Do you want a home that was built to save money and resources?
JEA and the Northeast Florida Builders Association formed a partnership called Green Built Homes of Florida. A Green Built Homes of Florida home is a home designed to save you money and save precious natural resources from day one.
Green Built Homes
- Cost less to operate due to reduced electricity and water consumption
- Are healthier, quieter and more comfortable
- Are less susceptible to mold and mildew
- Have a higher resale value
- Have been inspected by a third-party to ensure it meets all requirements
- Help the environment through responsible use of resources.
New homes in JEA’s electric service area that meet the performance criteria of one of the following certifications are eligible for the Green Built Homes of Florida designation.
 ENERGY STAR ®
You may already be familiar with ENERGY STAR. This program was developed in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote the efficient use of energy. Today, the ENERGY STAR label is synonymous with energy-efficiency and can be found on home appliances, office equipment and even an entire home.
ENERGY STAR Homes:
- Have tight construction
- Have improved insulation
- Feature high-performance windows
- Have tightly-sealed ductwork
- Have highly-efficient, right-sized heating and cooling equipment
 Builder's Challenge
The Builders Challenge is a Department of Energy program that is very similar to ENERGY STAR. The most significant difference is these homes have a higher efficiency requirement. Third-party certification by a Florida Class I energy rates is required to earn the Builders Challenge designation.
Florida Water Star
The St. Johns River Water Management District created and administers Florida Water Star. Certified homes incorporate water-efficient appliances and irrigation systems in their design and construction. Third-party certification by a Florida Water Star certifying agent is required to earn the Florida Water Star designation.
 Florida Water Star Homes
- Have high-efficiency, water-consuming appliances such as dishwashers
- Have high-efficiency or maximum performance toilets
- Have Florida-friendly landscaping – native plants which thrive with minimal irrigation
- Have water-conserving irrigation
 Florida Green Building Coalition
Created to provide a statewide green-building program, the Florida Green Building Coalition is a non-profit corporation seeking to establish clear and meaningful principals for qualifying structures as green. Third-party certification by a Florida Green Building Coalition certified inspector is required to earn the FBGC designation.
Florida Green Building Homes:
- Include many of the features of ENERGY STAR and Florida Water Star program homes
- Have healthier indoor environments
- Have reduced environmental impact through use of sustainable building materials and reduced/recycled construction waste
- Have improved resistance of damage from natural causes including hurricanes, floods, wildfire and termites
 LEED-H and NAHB Green Certification
Much like Florida Green Building Coalition guidelines, the US Green Building Councils LEED for Homes (LEED-H) and the National Association of Home Builders Green Home Standard are voluntary rating systems that promote the design and construction of high performance homes. These green certifications recognize and reward builders for meeting the highest performance standards. It also gives homeowners the confidence that their homes are durable, healthy and environmentally friendly.
 These green homes use less energy, water and natural resources; create less waste during construction and are healthier and more comfortable when complete. The benefits of LEED-H and NAHB Green Homes include lower utility bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.
Third-party certification that a home meets LEED-H and/or NAHB standards is provided by a by a certified inspector.
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