Reference

Pillars of green building

5 pillars used as the categorization for requirements and badges.

Pillar 1

Energy & Climate Resilience

Reduce a home's energy use, electrify its mechanical systems, and harden it against future climate risks. Covers Home Energy Score, heating/cooling, water heating, cooking, ventilation, and air-leakage targets.

Pillar 2

Indoor Air Quality & Health

Keep occupants safe from combustion gases, radon, mold, and indoor pollutants. Covers gas/CO testing, MERV filtration, radon mitigation, kitchen/bath exhaust, and humidity control.

Pillar 3

Water Efficiency & Management

Cut indoor and outdoor water use without sacrificing function. Covers fixture flow rates, leak prevention, plumbing pressure testing, and (at Platinum) real-time leak detection.

Pillar 4

Moisture & Structural Integrity

Keep water out of the building envelope and shed it correctly at the site. Covers moisture assessments, gutter and grading systems, certified wet-area assemblies, and duct quality.

Pillar 5

Materials & Environmental Impact

Lower the embodied-carbon footprint of new construction, avoid hazardous legacy materials, and source certified wood and floor finishes.