GE Helping Homebuilders to Design Eco-friendly Homes

GE is working closely with a number of home developers and builders across the United States that are committed to the cause of eco-friendly construction. GE has a set a high standard for itself by aiming to achieve a minimum of 20 percent reduction in household energy consumption, indoor water usage and carbon emissions as compared to the current industry-accepted standards for new homes. GE's efforts in association with its building partners are not only helping to reduce the overall environmental impact, but also ensuring lower utility costs and resource usage for the homeowners.

GE's sustainable homes are fitted with a range of highly innovative GE "ecomagination" products that match with the growing consumer aspirations of achieving a more environment friendly living. In terms of energy efficiency, GE homes are designed to achieve at least 20 percent more energy savings compared to the industry-accepted average for a new home. This is the result of GE Energy Star products and appliances, and a GE Energy Smart compact fluorescent lighting package. The benefits of these systems can be seen and measured by the homeowners on an interactive wall panel known as the Energy Monitoring Dashboard, which is installed in every home.

In terms of indoor water usage, GE homes are designed to reduce water consumption by at least 20 percent compared to the industry-accepted average for a new home. This is the result of innovative faucets, showerheads and toilets and GE's water-efficient appliances that are installed in every home. Similarly, energy emissions in each GE home are lesser than an industry-accepted average new home by at least 20 percent. In other words, a standard GE home reduces CO2 emissions by about 5 tons every year, which is a higher amount than what a hybrid car achieves in a year over a standard car.

GE's commitment to green homes has led it to achieve its "Homes Inspired by Ecomagination" two important third party recognitions. It has earned the Environments for Living (EFL) "Certified Green" designation from MASCO. EFL certified homes meet specific building standards that enable their environmental impact to be measured and monitored. GE homes have also earned Energy Star Qualified New Home recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To be designated as an Energy Star home, the building must be at least 15 percent energy-efficient in comparison to those constructed according to the 2004 IRC norms. GE homes surpass this stringent limit by achieving energy savings of at least 20 percent.

Photo Credit: flaivoloka