Your Home is a System PDF Print E-mail
EarthCraft HouseWe all agree that building green and applying building science concepts are good, but how can you tell if it was done right … or done at all? For energy efficiency upgrades, existing homes should always begin with a home energy audit and performance assessment by a HERS or BPI certified rater. Third party verification and a home certification ensure a homeowner of quality construction. And in the case of existing home renovations, testing and verification are critical for safety. A third party verified home is safer, healthier, more comfortable, has lower utility bills and higher market value.

EarthCraft Virginia provides a certification process for single family and multifamily projects. It serves as a blueprint for healthy, comfortable homes that reduces utility bills and protects the environment. Energy Star, Earthcraft Virginia and LEED are the dominant third-party verified home certification systems in Virginia. Earthcraft Virginia’s Renovation program certifies existing homes.

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Hear Highlights of Deb Cheslow



USGBC SWVA launched Connect the Dots in Roanoke, Virginia as a seminar for homeowners, auditors, architects and building professionals to meet and exchange knowledge, contact information and ideas.

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Deb Cheslow

Deb CheslowDeb Cheslow graduated from Virginia Tech in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering and a commission in the United States Air Force. She served her country as an instructor pilot until separating from the military in 1994 to focus on motherhood. She began her new career in the construction industry in 1998 as an estimator for a local builder. Then, in June of 2008, she opened her own green building consulting company, Green Bubble Services, LLC. Deb is a certified HERS Rater and a Regional Technical Manager for EarthCraft Virginia.
EarthCraft House serves as a blueprint for healthy sustainable homes that reduce utilities and protect the environment. Initially released in 1999, EarthCraft House has certified over 4500 homes in the Southeast and over 325 single family homes and over 1400 multifamily units in Virginia. Partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Virginia, Habitat for Humanity affiliates have worked to certify 63 homes in the state with an additional 45 scheduled to certify. The EarthCraft House program has supported and guided LEED for Homes and serves as a LEED for Homes Provider for the state of Virginia. As of August 2009, EarthCraft Virginia is working with 11 LEED for Homes projects.

About Us

Connect the Dots is a project of the U. S. Green Building Council Southwest Virginia Chapter to advocate and educate our region about green building through a locally produced seminar series and subsequent website modules.

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Facts

95% of our buildings are over 10 years old; while LEED and other programs do a lot to address new homes, improving performance for all buildings is important, higher value, higher performance, lower bills.

Strategies

  • Begin with a ‘Home Performance Analysis.’
  • Map your own path: state clear, measurable goals.
  • Engage qualified experts to advise you and carry out the work.
  • Measure post-improvement performance to track your progress.
  • Finally, engage a third party, certified energy rater.

Connections

Our founding sponsors were selected from among the most innovative, forward thinking companies in Southwest Virginia. Check them out - they may be able to help you complete your goals for high performance building!

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