Today’s new home construction projects, such as house developments on Long Island, now offer the “green” choice: Energy Star rated new homes. Energy Star new construction homes are new houses that meet certain stringent government guidelines for energy efficiency.

To be considered an Energy Star efficient new home, these new houses must meet these guidelines set by the government at www.energystar.gov:

1. Effective Insulation 2. High-Performance Windows 3. Solid Construction 4. Efficient Cooling and Heating Equipment 5. Energy Efficient Appliances 6. Third-Party Validation

What exactly is an Energy Star rating and how is it the green choice?

We’ll talk about green options. Unfortunately, the term is tossed around so often that many companies claim many products are “green” simply because they cause less damage to the environment than another product. When we discuss about green, we’re talking a major impact of contaminants or a significant conservation of energy.

With homes, the main green impact is energy savings. Electricity and heat can be conserved in a number of ways, reducing the demand on fossil fuels. Electricity, which is clean when used, still needs to be produced. Generally, it is produced by coal or other fossil fuels with tremendous negative effects on the environment. By reducing the electric demand, you effectively reduce the amount of toxic fuel that needs to be consumed. By doing a few things in your new home, you can significantly reduce the electric demand.

First, you need to take advantage of high quality insulation in new homes. Use enough insulation to adequately protect your new home from the weather. Ideally, you should insulate your walls, attic, floors and basement to help maintain an even inside temperature. The more consistent the temperature inside, the less often your heating system needs to go on, using energy to level the temperature.

Next, consider your windows. With new construction, you can use higher efficiency windows that reduce drafts, insulate outside cold air and help block ultraviolet light (which can fade fabrics, paint and carpets, requiring you to replace them sooner).

Tight construction is key. Small cracks and holes can create significant air flow points that allow heat to escape in the winter and air conditioning to escape in the summer. When this happens, your heating and cooling systems need to work overtime to compensate. Plugging these holes will significantly reduce your energy expenses. With new construction, tight and solid construction, especially around ducts and pipes leading outside, you will have a major impact.

Finally, as you choose a builder, for example www.EmmyHomes.com on Long Island, be sure the new houses have a verification of their Energy Star rating. This protects you to make sure that you are getting the energy benefits that you should get from your new construction.

Craig Axelrod is one of the senior developers from Emmy Homes. Emmy is which is one of Long Island’s premier real estate builders. Emmy’s Commack real estate features new construction in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for information.