Tips For Commercial and Residential Developers

1. Think Energy from the Start

Developers know that the more energy prices increase, the more important it is to construct buildings that conserve energy. Developers and architects also know that if they consider energy efficiency from the very beginning of the design process -- long before they put the first shovel in the ground -- they will significantly lower future operating costs and be able to take full advantage of available tax incentives and grant opportunities.

Developers can guarantee that their team will consider energy efficiency from the very beginning of the design phase by taking part in the government?s Energy Star program and more specifically, by earning the "Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR" label for their building.

Developers that seek and successfully acquire the Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR label know that their building is designed to be at least within the top 25 percent of similar buildings in terms of energy efficiency. This pre-construction ENERGY STAR process also helps you measure the costs and benefits of constructing a building that even more efficient -- one that?s in the top 15 percent, 5 percent, or even top 1 percent of similar buildings in terms of energy use.

For a complete explanation of the Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR process for private commercial construction, go to our ENERGY STAR web page.

For a listing of some of the tax credits and benefits available for new commercial buildings, click here.

Specific Tips for Residential Contractors

Energy Star offers a program to help residential contractors build an energy efficient new home. The benefits of building an energy efficient new home are in its increased value and appeal to environmentally conscious homebuyers. A further explanation of these benefits and others can be found at the Energy Star website.

A program certifying green builders much in the same way LEED AP accredits designers is the Green Advantage program.

We welcome comments and additional suggestions from both residential and commercial developers.