Modern building techniques and materials are making it easier than ever for builders to produce energy efficient homes. In the last 20 years, green ideas in home building, commercial construction, and business operation have become increasingly popular, leading to what many are describing as a new industrial revolution. Energy efficiency is a large part of that picture, as it provides an immediately recognizable economic benefit for those that go green.

Building energy efficient homes is a combination of using the proper materials and construction techniques for the utmost effect. In many cases, the builder aims to for the greatest effectiveness with the least materials use, reducing both materials consumed and materials wasted. Modern materials such as ICFs and SIPs (insulated concrete forms and structural insulated panels) also help builders by streamlining construction, incorporating both the installation and the framing stages of building into a single building stage.

The Thermal Envelope of Energy Efficient Homes

Insulation is one of the most important aspects of energy efficient homes. In order to produce a tightest thermal envelope around the house that is as tight as possible, not only must the proper structural materials be incorporated, but the appropriate air-sealing weather stripping and proper heating, cooling, and ventilation systems must also be incorporated. In fact, a little air sealing can be one of the most effective, low-cost ways to turn an older, drafty house into a more energy-efficient one.

Windows are also of the utmost importance. No matter what the R-value of the wall material is, poorly fit or poorly engineered windows can allow up to 25% of a home's heat to escape. Vapor diffusion retarder also helps keep water vapor, which can lead to mold and rotting wood, from entering wall cavities.