Eco-Home Performance Comparison
This table compares the Eco-Home with two recognized guidelines for construction: the MN Energy Code and the MN Energy Star Homes program. LEED for Homes criteria were studied relative to the Eco-Home, but an analysis of features relative to LEED did not easily translate to the features selected in this comparison. However, an independent look at the LEED for Homes Criteria suggests that the Eco-Home would rank as a LEED Gold or LEED Platinum certification.
It is rare that any set of building performance guidelines, "green" or otherwise, seeks to qualify and quantify either building energy consumption or associated greenhouse gas emissions. One exception to this is the European Passivhaus standard. When defining a building as "green," it is important to understand a few things relating to energy consumption, even if the selected "green criteria" do not require this:
- What is the fuel source for heating and cooling?
- What is the estimated fuel consumption for heating and cooling?
- What is the estimated electrical energy consumption exclusive of heating and cooling?
- What are the estimated CO2 emissions associated with the above information?
