If you’re in the business of building homes, you’re likely aware that energy codes are the parts of building codes regulating how heat and energy are used in a building — providing guidance about minimum level of insulation in walls, window performance, air tightness, and the like. But what happens when your client wants to go beyond what energy code requires? There are a number of voluntary above-code approaches that can help your project achieve more efficient performance — and in some cases, qualify you for a tax credit too. I’ll introduce you to these high-performance building approaches, explain their key principles, and go over how to get started.

What is it? “Pretty Good House” is a book that’s inspired a grassroots movement, taking a pragmatic approach to building a better home. The idea is to build a healthy, efficient, comfortable, and durable home that considers our environment while maintaining affordability. It came about through frustration with the time and money required to earn other certifications. The founders simply wanted to build a “pretty good house,” so they developed a set of guidelines to achieve that goal. This means there are no formal requirements. That said, a home built according to all the guidelines may qualify for one of the aforementioned certifications and, in that way, earn a tax credit. 

What are the key principles? As this is a flexible approach, you can apply as many or as few of the measures outlined in the book as you would like. Guidelines emphasize things like:

• Well-insulated and airtight building envelope
• Efficient systems
• Durable materials

What role do windows and doors play? As with the formal certification programs described above, high-quality windows and doors with U-Factor and SHGC ratings appropriate to the climate will certainly help in building a “Pretty Good House.” Selections made according to this approach would theoretically be better than what code requires. 

How does it work? The best advice I have is to read the book and embrace the guidelines that will help you build the best house possible with the budget you’ve got.