Indoor AirPlus
Indoor AirPlus program is a voluntary program created
by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
help improve indoor air quality in homes. Homes built
to earn the Indoor airPLUS label include features to
reduce contaminants that can lead to poor indoor air
quality, including mold, moisture, radon, carbon
monoxide, toxic chemicals and more. There are many
sources of indoor air pollution – everything from
building materials and household cleaner to biological
pollutants such as dust mites and pet dander.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases
from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety
of chemicals, some of which may have short- and
long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of
many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten
times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a
wide array of products numbering in the thousands.
Some common sources include:
- Paints
- Paint strippers and other solvents
- Wood preservatives
- Building materials and furnishings
The Indoor AirPlus program has requirements that include design, construction, and verification of those requirements. Clean air is good for everyone’s health, but it can be especially important to those who have chronic respiratory conditions. We hope you will enjoy the fresh and clean air of your new home from the Columbia Building Company for many years to come.
The Zero Energy Ready Home Program or ZERH is a voluntary program by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to reduce energy usage and the US carbon footprint. A DOE Zero Energy Ready Home is a high-performance home that is so energy efficient that a renewable energy system could offset most or all the home's annual energy use. These homes represent a whole new level of performance with rigorous requirements that ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability.
Certified homes are also eligible to receive the Federal 45L Tax Credit - up to $5,000 per home. Ask your Columbia Building Company Salesperson about this tax credit before construction starts. Enjoy the comfort of your new home knowing that your energy bills will be significantly lower than other new homes that don’t have this certification.