Energy Efficient Construction in Florida - Ch. 2

Why Build Efficiently - terms, abbreviations and definitions

What benefits do homeowners gain from having energy efficient homes?

Lower monthly utility bills, higher quality construction and fewer maintenance problems.

What financing programs are available for energy efficient mortgages (EEM)?

Federal Housing Authority (FHA), the Veteran’s Administration (VA), Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.

What is an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)?

The inclusion of energy efficiency upgrades to be included into the mortgage.

What benefits do builders gain from energy efficient homes?

Increased profits for well built homes and increased customer referral and reputation for quality construction.

What are some programs that can label homes as energy efficient homes?

ENERGY STAR, Florida Green Building Coalition (Green Homes - FGBC), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

What do the energy efficient organizations encourage with building?

Field tests of building components

What do the field tests aim to do?

Point out potential problems when they can be fixed quickly without litigation and encourage high performance from subcontractors.

What are some incentives implemented by some cities and counties involving energy efficient building?

‘fast tracking’ of the permit process, priority inspections, a reduction in building permit fees, free follow-up/secondary submissions for modifications to incorporate additional green infrastructure features.

What incentives are there for efficient usage of water resources?

Credit for certain infrastructure, as well as green building certification credits and will lead to improved sales potential.

What infrastructure can be credited by eligible local government incentives?

Installing a cistern for rainwater harvesting or grey-water capture and reuse (for irrigation or toilet flushing), use of previous pavements for driveways and patios, and Florida-friendly landscaping.

What are structural features targeted by incentive programs?

Attic Insulation, Windows, reflective roof, and weatherization

What are the typical incentives offered to structural energy efficient features?

Utility Rebate programs and Manufacturer Rebates

What are mechanical features targeted by incentive programs?

Duct Sealing, HVAC Service, HVAC Replacement

What are the typical incentives offered to mechanical energy efficient features?

Utility Rebate programs and Manufacturer Rebates

What are appliances targeted by incentive programs?

Water Heaters, Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers

What are the typical incentives offered to energy efficient applicances?

Loan Programs and Manufacturer Rebates

What are lighting features targeted by incentive programs?

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

What are the typical incentives offered to energy efficient lighting?

Utility and Manufacturer giveaways

What are Alternative/renewable energy features targeted by incentive programs?

Solar Water Heating and Solar photovoltaic panels

What are the typical incentives offered to Alternative/Renewable energy features?

Federal Tax Credit, Utility Rebates, and Loan Programs

What are load management features targeted by incentive programs?

Voluntary (Customer-Driven), Direct Load Control (Utility-Driven), and On-Site generation

What are the typical incentives offered to load management features?

Tiered Rate Structure, Seasonal or Time-of-use Rates, and Utility credit or rebate.

What is the Federal Tax Incentive for residential properties

A 30% credit may be available for renewable energy systems, except for fuel cells.