# Build Home Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Living

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/06/build-home-energy-efficiency-for-sustainable-living/
- Published: 2015-06-28T01:21:38-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## USGBC Joins Home Energy Information Accelerator to Expand Home Energy Efficiency in the U.S.

### A National Push for Green Building and Energy Savings

Washington, D.C. (May 28, 2015) — The [U.S. Department of Energy](https://energy.gov/)(
DOE) announced two new [Better Buildings Accelerators](https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/)
to help advance home energy efficiency across the country. As part of this initiative,
the [U.S. Green Building Council](https://www.usgbc.org/) (USGBC) has joined the
[Home Energy Information Accelerator](https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/accelerators/home-energy-information)
to build home energy efficiency nationwide. This partnership will expand sustainable
building practices and provide homeowners with the tools to make their houses healthier,
greener, and more efficient.

### Homes as the Foundation of Sustainability

Rick Fedrizzi, CEO of USGBC, stressed that homes are at the center of sustainable
living. He explained that houses protect families and represent the largest investment
for many Americans. By building energy-efficient new homes and upgrading existing
ones, homeowners can save money, increase property values, and reduce their carbon
footprint. Fedrizzi called healthy and efficient homes the future. He also regarded
this accelerator as a critical step to build [home energy efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/bay-city-green-infrastructure-managing-stormwater-efficiently/).

![A modern energy efficient house with solar panels on the roof surrounded by lush
greenery and well maintained landscaping](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/06/image-11-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The
Green Living Guy")

A modern energy efficient home featuring solar panels emphasizing sustainable living
and energy savings

### Supporting the President’s Climate Action Plan

The [Better Buildings Initiative](https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/),
launched in 2013, helps consumers understand the benefits of energy efficiency while
streamlining upgrades. The Home Energy Information Accelerator also supports the
[President’s Climate Action Plan](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/energy/climate-change),
driving investments that cut energy use. It aims to build home energy efficiency,
[reduce greenhouse gas emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/teams-from-245-buildings-around-the-u-s-compete-to-save-energy-and-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2/),
and improve community resilience nationwide.

(Internal link idea: Tie this section to your “Green [Living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/climate-data-database-restoring-forgotten-facts/)
for Beginners” guide to show readers how efficiency fits into the bigger climate
picture.)

### Tools to Help Homeowners Save Energy

To deliver on its commitment, USGBC relaunched [Green Home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/7-things-you-can-do-at-home-to-be-more-green/)
Guide, a consumer resource designed to help families lower energy and water bills
through practical upgrades. At the same time, the council expanded [LEED for Homes](https://www.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems/residential),
already including over 186,000 residential units. Educational resources are also
being developed to help homeowners build home energy efficiency. These resources
will help homeowners understand energy ratings, certifications, and sustainable 
design.

![A modern energy efficient house with large glass windows and solar panels on the
roof surrounded by green grass and trees](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/06/image-12-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The
Green Living Guy")

A modern energy efficient home featuring solar panels and large windows symbolizing
the future of sustainable living

### Commitment to Greener Homes

Taryn Holowka, USGBC’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Advocacy,
said the partnership strengthens their mission in the residential sector. By expanding
LEED for Homes and giving consumers easy access to sustainability information, homeowners
gain knowledge and confidence in making informed choices. This invaluable information
empowers them to embrace energy-efficient practices and implement eco-friendly improvements
in their living spaces. Consequently, these enhancements not only contribute to 
a [reduced carbon footprint](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/11/infographic-green-transportation-reduce-your-carbon/)
but also promote healthier indoor environments. Moreover, as homeowners engage with
[sustainable building practices](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/green-materials-for-sustainable-building-practices/),
they play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits 
communities and future generations alike. Therefore, they can build home energy 
efficiency with eco-friendly improvements that enhance both their quality of life
and the overall well-being of the planet.

### Energy Savings That Benefit Families and the Planet

DOE’s Under Secretary for Science and Energy, Franklin Orr, highlighted the broad
benefits of better building performance. He emphasized that such improvements not
only enhance the comfort and livability of homes but also play a critical role in
advancing environmental sustainability. By implementing innovative energy-saving
measures, improving efficiency saves families money on their utility bills, reduces
pollution in the atmosphere, and lowers demand on the power grid. These actions 
ultimately contribute to a more resilient energy infrastructure. Furthermore, expanding
initiatives into residential and water efficiency empowers American households to
directly participate in the nation’s climate and energy goals. This encourages more
responsible resource consumption and greater awareness of [energy conservation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/12/7-tips-for-an-energy-efficient-household/).
Through these efforts, a collective push towards a greener future is possible. This
multifaceted approach not only benefits individual households but also strengthens
communities. As a result, it enhances the overall quality of life across the country.

### Building the Future of Real Estate Transparency

The [Home Energy Information](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/contractor-informational-meetings-announced-for-new-ny-green-bank-sponsored-home-energy-loan-financing-program/)
Accelerator is designed to make home energy data — such as certifications and usage
estimates — more transparent in real estate transactions. It aims to connect leaders
in real estate, utilities, and energy. Consequently, the program will create models
that make efficiency information standard when buying or selling homes. Partners
will share their progress in the Better Buildings Residential Program Solution Center.
There, they will offer replicable strategies to build home energy efficiency in 
communities nationwide.

## The Path to a More Efficient America

DOE set a goal of [improving energy efficiency in U.S. buildings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/building-energy-behavior-for-improved-efficiency/)
by 20 percent over the next decade. Achieving this ambitious target would save consumers
billions of dollars. It would create thousands of jobs and significantly [cut carbon pollution](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/06/epa-proposes-first-guidelines-to-cut-carbon-pollution-from-existing-power-plants/),
thereby contributing to the fight against climate change.

Additionally, it will make American homes healthier and more sustainable, providing
families with greater comfort and well-being. For families, this means more money
in their pockets due to [reduced utility bills](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/restaurant-green-led-lighting-reduces-utility-bills/).
Cleaner air for their children to breathe will be available. Moreover, it fosters
stronger communities that are better equipped to address environmental challenges.
As [energy efficiency measures](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/06/californias-building-code-energy-efficiency-measures/)
are implemented, there will be a ripple effect. This encourages [innovation in green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/zinco-usa-leaders-in-green-roof-innovation/)
technologies and fosters a culture of sustainability. These efforts benefit future
generations as well.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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