Benefits Of Third-Party Green Certifications When Buying or Selling A Home

Today, we're becoming more aware of our impact on the planet, and as a result, many of us are choosing to live more sustainable lifestyles. From the food we eat to the cars we drive to the homes we live in, thanks to consumer demand, the market for green products is growing. In fact, according to TerraChoice, the number of greener products in the market has grown an impressive 73% in just the last decade!

Unfortunately, as the market has grown, many brands want to capitalize on the increased dollars that come with a "green" product, so they're throwing words like "eco-friendly," "sustainable," and "natural," all over the place, even when it's not really accurate. In the marketplace, this is known as "greenwashing," and it's not good for consumers who may be unaware of the practice. In fact, TerraChoice has outlined what they call “the 7 Sins of Greehwashing" In a recent report, they found that 95% of greener products were guilty of committing one or more of the sins. 

So how can you be sure that what you're purchasing is truly a green product?

Look for credible third-party green home certifications from government agencies, non-profits, and experts you can trust. Let's take a look at some third-party certifications and rating systems you can trust.

Third-Party Green Home Certifications Add Credibility

The process of achieving certification can be rigorous, and it adds a layer of accountability and credibility to any product that receives it. There's no greenwashing your way to an Energy Star certification. You need to meet all of the criteria to earn the label. 

From Energy Star and WaterSense to LEED green building certification, many valid green home certifications can not only assure a buyer that products are sustainable and eco-friendly, but that they are efficient and safe for homeowners and their families. 

Five Green Home Certifications You Can Trust

Here are some of the most important green home certifications to look for when purchasing products, infrastructure systems, and homes themselves.

• Energy Star

The Energy Star Program is one of the most recognizable green home certifications. Run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star is a voluntary program that rates products like appliances, electronics, and lighting fixtures on their energy efficiency. 

Energy Star also offers certification that is given to new homes that have superior HVAC efficiency and feature Energy Star-certified appliances and fixtures.

• EPA WaterSense

The WaterSense label is issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and designates products and programs that save water without sacrificing quality or performance. This certification is given to products that are 20% more efficient than other products in the same category. These products must also perform as well as or better than less efficient counterparts in categories that include toilets, showerheads, and faucets.

• FSC-Certified (Forest Stewardship Council)

FSC is an independent non-governmental, non-profit organization, and FSC Certification is entirely voluntary. It accredits forest managers, manufacturing companies, and controlled wood products that uphold the responsible consumption of forest products. 

• GreenGuard Certification

Indoor air pollution is a genuine issue today. GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certification ensures that a product has met some of the most comprehensive and rigorous standards for low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in indoor air. Many products, from paint and insulation to fabrics, can emit VOCs into indoor air contributing to indoor air pollution problems. This certification has been adopted widely as a trusted standard for low-emitting products. In fact, over 400 green building codes, guidelines, procurement policies, rating systems, and standards give credit for GreenGuard Certified products.

• LEED Certification

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED certification is the most widely used third-party (USGBC) verification for green buildings around the world. Around 1.85 million square feet attain LEED certification every day! Homeowners, builders, and developers pursuing LEED certification earn points in several areas that address sustainability. A LEED-certified building must be resource-efficient, eco-friendly, and cost less to run than non-LEED buildings. Plus, they must incorporate tactics and technologies that make the building healthier for its inhabitants.

What Do Green Home Certifications Mean To You?

These are just five of the most recognizable and highly rated third-party green home certifications available. Whether you are remodeling your home or undertaking a new build, these certifications will help you make sure that you are choosing the most environmentally friendly, sustainable products available. 

Green Home Certification is a great benefit should you decide to sell your home in the future. It's proof that your home is well above standard construction practices in terms of its energy efficiency and carbon footprint. In fact, an Earth Advantage Study in 2011 found that green-certified new build homes sold for 8 percent more on average than non-certified homes and that the resale prices of existing green homes were around 30 percent more than conventionally constructed homes. 

Conclusion

Along with added resale value, green home certifications can help you to save money by reducing your energy usage and creating a healthier living environment for your family. Plus, living in a green-certified home will provide you peace of mind that you're doing your part for the environment by having less impact and living more sustainably.

With In Green Living, Joni Keefe shares nature-based design choices for buildings, urban greenspaces, and Interior Design. Her interests follow Real Estate & housing sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly building products, and the latest trends in green design. She is a published writer with horticultural design work featured in national publications, this is her newsletter.