Green Building and Building Science Resources

ForesteHolmes has extensive building science training and years of applied experience in constructing green, energy efficient custom homes. Part of our mission is to familiarize and educate our clients - and our Prescott contractor competitors - in the fundamentals of green building and building science.

The following sections are excellent green buildng and building science primers that are rich in graphics/links to detailed information. ForesteHolmes recommends starting with these two links:

• Why Build a High-Performance Home 
• What is Green Building? 

GREEN BUILDING ELEMENTS

   Energy Efficiency

•     Energy Efficiency Elements 
•     Layout and Design 
•     Insulation 
•     Windows and Doors 
•     Tight Construction Sealed Ducts 
•     Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Equipment 
•     Lighting, Appliances, and Water Heaters 

   Resource Efficiency

•     Resource Efficiency, including links to information on Advanced Framing, Moisture Management, Material Durability 
  

     Water Efficiency

•     Water Efficiency, including links to information on Indoor and Outdoor Water Efficiency, Rainwater Harvesting 
  

     Indoor Air Quality

•     Indoor Air Quality, including information on Contaminant Sources, Water-managed Sites and Foundations 



   Site-Community

•     Site – Community, including information on Sustainability, Protection of Natural Resources, and Climate Change  

BUILDING SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

Select the link below for an overview of the rules of building performance, how the rules affect the home and occupants, and construction techniques used achieve results in high-performance homes.

• 8 Rules of Building High Performance 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

These additional resources and internet links provide information on many aspects of green building and high-performance home construction:

• Green Building Resource Guide 
• Green Builder Magazine

  .. Homeowner's Handbook, 2011 Guide to Fundamental Green Construction Concepts and Products

• Building Science Corporation

  ...Building Physics, Systems Design Concepts, and an Awareness of Sustainability

• Green Building Adivsors

  .....The Complete Source for Building, Designing, and Remodeling Green Homes

• NAHB ToolBase

  .....Technical Information on Home Building from the NAHB Research Center

• DOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

  .....U.S. Dept of Energy R&D / Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy Technologies, Practices, and Products for Homes

• E3 Energy

  ..... Home Energy Raters and Performance Verification Services in Northern Arizona