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Step 1
Contact the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for information about becoming a green builder. The NAHB reports that more than half of their members who build large volumes of homes incorporate green practices into building.
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Step 2
Join the Builders Challenge program through the Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy program at the U.S. Department of Energy. Participants agree to build homes that rate 70 or lower on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale).
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Step 3
Use energy saving technologies such as geothermal heating or solar energy in the homes you build. Look at how floor plans affect energy efficiency.
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Step 4
Adopt practices that maximize measureable energy efficiency, such as lighting, insulation, appliances and other tools that result in lower utility bills for homeowners.
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Step 5
Select building materials that reduce the impact on the environment. For example, materials made from recycled materials or locally manufactured material burden the environment less, as do low-maintenance building materials.
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Step 6
Study the lot as part of the planning process because building green also means limiting the impact on existing soil and vegetation. Make water conservation a priority both in the building and in the final product.
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Step 7
Educate your homebuyers on green home features, including home maintenance recommendations.
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Step 8
Market yourself as a green builder by telling the public about your participation in green programs and organizations. You can also have your homes certified as EnergyStar homes.
