Environments For Living - Program Details and Specs

The Environments For Living® program, offered by TopBuild Home Services, has been used successfully by top builders across the country. Based on the principles of building science, the Environments For Living program provides builders with clearly defined requirements, along with the tools and assistance they need. It's no wonder the Environments For Living program has become one of the leading national programs of its kind.

Environments For Living Program Documents: Click here to download (2.8MB)

Why have so many builders embraced the Environments For Living program? Some builders' top priority is to differentiate themselves by constructing homes that go beyond conventional building codes. Others recognize the potential for building science to reduce claims and callbacks, and increase customer satisfaction. But virtually all builders have chosen the Environments For Living program because we offer a complete set of solutions. There are many energy- and green-building programs builders can choose from today. Here are a few reasons why so many have chosen ours:

Flexibility. The Environments For Living program is performance based and product neutral. In other words, you're free to use any manufacturer whose products meet the program requirements. You also have the flexibility to customize the program to suit your homes, your local market, your local climate and your business needs. We're also compatible with other programs and can assist you in achieving other certifications.

Choice. The Environments For Living program has several energy levels to choose from and a flagship level – the Environments For Living Certified Green program. You can select the program and energy level that best fits your needs; but, no matter which you choose, we can help you deliver a home that goes beyond the ordinary.

Turn-key. We don't just provide you with a checklist. Our program was designed with the needs of all builders in mind, from custom builders to mid-size and large production builders. Builders want a program that delivers efficiency and economies of scale, backed by a professional organization. Our turn-key services include training, a national plan review center, and an extensive network for field certification and testing. We can even assist in identifying companies that can install products that meet the program requirements.

Guaranteed. By providing your homeowners with TopBuild Home Services' limited guarantees* on comfort and heating and cooling energy use, you have not only a powerful marketing tool but a tangible promise from you to your homebuyers that you have committed to build your homes to a higher standard.

* See the guarantee for complete details and limitations.

ENERGY STAR® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Download the program documents here. (2.8mb)

Learn more about how we work with other programs

The Environments For Living program is the leading, national turn-key program designed to assist builders in constructing and marketing homes utilizing the principles of building science – homes that offer energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and durability benefits. Our flagship level, the Environments For Living Certified Green program, includes such additional benefits in areas such as indoor water efficiency, lighting and appliance efficiency.

Tight Construction: Special framing techniques such as a continuous air barrier and sealing of penetrations help reduce internal leaks and drafts.

Improved Thermal Systems: Enhanced insulation techniques help to minimize voids and gaps, and higher thermal properties (R-value) add to energy efficiency.

Right-sized HVAC: "Right-sized" heating and cooling systems and sealed air ducts help equipment work efficiently.("Right-sized" refers to the process of determining which HVAC system should be used in any particular structure.)

Guaranteed Performance: Written guarantees* are issued to homeowners on the amount of energy used for heating and cooling, and comfort.

Low-E Windows: Low "emissivity" windows have protective coatings to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer.

Energy Efficient Lighting: At least 60% of all hard-wired lights must be compact fluorescent or LED, reducing overall home energy consumption.

Energy Efficient Appliances: ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances such as refrigerators and clothes dryers, dishwashers and efficient water heaters help conserve energy.

Internal Moisture Management: Vents, pressure balancing, fresh air ventilation and "right-sized" HVAC equipment work to reduce moisture from daily activities like cooking and showering.

Tight Construction: Air barrier continuity and air tightness reduce the potential for moisture to enter the building envelope.

Improved Thermal Systems: Program requirements such as low-e windows and insulation installed in contact with the air barrier reduce the potential for moisture build-up.

Optimum Value Engineering: Special framing techniques reduce lumber requirements and material use, while maintaining structural integrity.

Paint Durability: Interior paints that meet a minimum 400 scrubs (ASTM D4060-07), add to product longevity and can reduce future material needs.

Fresh Air Ventilation: Fresh air ventilation systems deliver filtered fresh air to help reduce dust, odors and indoor contaminants for improved indoor air quality.

Internal Moisture Management: Vents, pressure balancing, fresh air ventilation and "right-sized" HVAC equipment work to reduce moisture in multiple ways.

Air Pressure Balancing: Balanced air pressure throughout the home results in more-even temperatures and reduces the potential for condensation build-up.

Combustion Safety: Combustion appliances in conditioned spaces are sealed or power-vented to help avoid build-up of carbon monoxide, and vent-free fireplaces are not allowed. CO detectors are required in all homes.

Enhanced Filtration Systems: Air filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) of 8 or greater, or an approved electronic air cleaner, provide extra protection from contaminants.

Paint: Using paints with low levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) reduces indoor pollutants.

Carpet: Carpets carrying the Carpet Rug and Institute (CRI) Green Label® for low VOC emissions strictly limit substances that can off-gas.

Cabinetry: Cabinets constructed from composite panels that meet the standards of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Environmental Stewardship Program (www.kcma.org), and the Composite Panel Association Environmentally Preferable Product Specification (CPA 03-08) (www.pbmdf.com).

Low-Flow Faucets: Kitchen sink and lavatory faucets that conserve water help reduce overall internal household water consumption.

Low-Flow Showerheads: Showerheads using the latest technologies can help save water without compromising performance.

High-Efficiency Dishwashers: ENERGY STAR® rated dishwashers use less water and add to overall household water savings.

High-Efficiency Toilets: Water efficient toilets that meet specific performance criteria help reduce water use in the home.

High-Performance Clothes Washers: ENERGY STAR® qualified clothes washers that meet specific water efficiency metrics help to save on household water use.