Links to other useful web sites

National, International or Regional Green Building Programs

• US Green Building Council (USGBC) - A national non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. This is the organization that sponsors the well known LEED green building program.
• EnergyStar for Homes - Energy efficiency-focused certification program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy.
• NAHB Green Building Program - Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders.
• Green Globes - Green building and rating program applicable in the USA and Canada.
• Green Communities - Program aimed at promoting sustainable building for affordable housing projects.
• Earth Advantage - Green building program in the Pacific Northwest, covering Oregon, Washington and Northern California.
• Green Advantage - Builder certification program. Rather than certifying buildings, this program certifies individuals as knowledgeable about green building.

Colorado-based Green Building Programs

• Green Points Program - The green building code put in place by the city of Boulder, Colorado. Applies to any new construction or additions over 500 square feet.
• BuildSmart (Boulder County) - Mandatory green building requirements program for new residential construction and additions applicable in unincorporated Boulder County, Colorado.
• Longmont Build Green - The green building ordinance applicable in Longmont, Colorado
• Built Green Colorado - A voluntary, industry-driven green building program of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. The program applies statewide (Note: currently this program is in “Intermission” and is not certifying any new projects.)

Other Green Building Resources

• Boulder Green Building Guild (BGBG) - A Boulder, Colorado based association of building professionals dedicated to promoting healthier, resource-efficient homes and workplaces.
• US Environmental Protection Agency - Green building resources and links from the US EPA.
• ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers - An excellent resource for information on energy efficiency related to heating and cooling equipment.
• Greenguard Certification Program - A third-party certification program for low-emitting products and materials for indoor environments. Covers a wide range of products including paint, textile, adhesives, flooring and more.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - An organization that certifies wood products as having come from sustainably managed forests.
• BuildingGreen - An independent publishing company. Their site has lots of good resources and learning tools including a green product guide.
• Whole Building Design Guide - Sponsored by the National Institute of Building Science. The site has a wide range of topics on green building and building science.
• ClimateSmart - A Boulder County effort to help individuals, families and businesses increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
• EPA’s Indoor Air Quality - Lots of resources and information related to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues, including asthma, mold, radon, etc.
• Athena Institute - Canada-based organization focused on measuring the total life cycle impact of materials. Large database of building and interior materials.

Financing & Funding Resources

• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) - A database of state, local and federal incentives and rebates for renewable energy and energy improvement.
• The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) - Sponsored by a coalition of public interest nonprofit groups, government agencies, and other organizations in the energy efficiency field, this site provides consumers and businesses the information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies.

Green Product Shopping Sites

• EcoHaus - Green home and construction products from paint to light bulbs to flooring and countertops. Based in Seattle, WA.
• Eco-Products - Food service, household and cleaning supplies. All natural, recycled, recyclable or compostable products. Based in Boulder, CO.
• eConscious Market - Sells the finest ecologically and socially responsible products, including clothing, home products, travel products, art, and much more. Donates a minimum of 10% of every purchase to non profit organizations. Based in Boulder, CO.
• Ellie’s Eco Home Store - A Boulder-based store focusing on a wide range of ecological products for the home, from cleaning products to building supplies.