Passive solar orientation, roof overhangs, Hardie siding, concrete floors, natural lighting, and native landscaping are some of the ways to build green in Austin.

 

 

 

Other Green Links:

Screened Porches - An Idea Whose Time Has Come Again

Green Vendor List

Austin Energy Audits

Austin Energy Ordinance

Building Green for Austin

Green Home Trends

 

 


  

Green Rating: How to Build a 5 Star Home.

 

Valued Clients,

If you are planning to build or remodel, begin with the advice and resources available through the city of Austin's Green Building Program.

Homes are rated 1-Star - 5-Star. The 5-Star rating is the greenest and most difficult to get.

It is valuable to use green building techniques in your new or remodelled home. You will create a safer, more comfortable home that is cheaper to operate. And it will be more appealing if it later goes on the market.

Here is some information to get you started.

Thanks!
Roselind Hejl, Realtor
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
512-327-0385
Bookmark and Share
 

STAR REQUIREMENTS:
These are the points needed to reach a Star level home, under Austin’s Green Building Program.

1 STAR 0 points (but must meet basic requirements)
• 2 STAR 50--74 points
• 3 STAR 75--99 points plus 3.01 or 3.02 or 3.03; and 4.17; and 4.18 or 4.19
• 4 STAR 100-124 points including all 3-Star requirements plus 10.07 or 10.08
• 5 STAR 125 or more points, including all 3-Star and 4-Star requirements, plus all of the following: 3.04, 3.05, 11.06, 11.08
 
Guide to Green Star Ratings
Click here to review the Guide to Green Star Ratings. This guide reviews the rating requirements, explains what they mean, and gives tips.
 
Green Star Form
Click here to see a sample green star submission form for submitting your home for a Star Rating.
 
Green Star Orientation
Click here to submit a request to attend a Green Building Orientation. This will help get you started on working with the rating program as you build or remodel your home.
 
Basic Requirements for All Ratings
 
1. 1. Energy-efficient home design allows a minimum 500 square feet of living
space per ton of cooling capacity as calculated by a correct Manual J, based on
actual site orientation, plans and specifications
 
2. Cooling equipment minimum efficiency: 14.0 SEER for split systems/11.5 EER
Gas furnace rated at > 80 AFUE or Heat Pump rated at > 8.2 HSPF
 
3. Window minimum efficiency: < 0.35 solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC); < 0.55
U-value in Climate Zone 2 (or Zone 3: < 0.40 and < 0.40)
 
4. Wall insulation: Energy Star Grade I installation; OR batts + insulative exterior
sheathing with R-value of > 2.0, taped at seams; OR “total fill” type (e.g. blown
cellulose, BIBs, spray foam, SIPs)
 
5. Floor insulation over ambient or unconditioned space: > R-13 with air barrier
 
6. Blocking for grab bar installed in all showers and tub-shower combinations
 
7. Gas water heater minimum efficiency (EF):
 
8. No unvented gas logs/fireplaces installed
 
9. Exhaust fans venting to outside for cooktop/stove/microwave and baths with
a tub or shower
 
10. Ceiling fans: minimum of 2 installed within heated and cooled space
 
11. A minimum of 75% of all lamps/bulbs are Energy Star-compliant
 
12. Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) interior wall and ceiling paint: VOC
level of 100 grams per liter or less, or is CoA recycled paint
 
13. Minimum of 2 toilets selected from current Austin Water Conservation
Program Rebate list
 
14. Planting beds have at least 6” of soil containing 25% compost (e.g. Dillo
DirtTM) and minimum depth of 2” organic mulch
 
15. A minimum of 90% of new plants from current Grow Green plant list
[ >7 plants minimum]
 
16. Current City of Austin IRC, IECC Codes, and Amendments must be met,
regardless of project location (including complete air barrier and restrictions on
electric water heaters). Some elements of code may not apply to renovations but
duct testing is required for all Ratings.
 

 

Back to Buyer's Guide

   
 
     
USEFUL LINKS
 
Copyright © 2002-2012 Roselind Hejl, et al. Roselind Hejl's Austin Real Estate Guide