EarthCraft House

The EarthCraft House Program

The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association and Southface Energy Institute developed the EarthCraft House program in 1999 as a response to local demand for a residential green building certification program. The success of the EarthCraft House program led to the creation of additional programs to address other building types and sustainable community development.

The EarthCraft family of programs continues to grow and expand its mission of helping professionals design and construct healthy, comfortable buildings and communities that minimize negative environmental impacts.

EarthCraft House certifications are earned through the completion of all worksheet items that apply to a project. This punch list style worksheet simplifies the certification process, clearly outlining what is required as part of an EarthCraft House. Builders can easily segment the worksheet by trade so everyone knows how they contribute to a successful EarthCraft project.

Worksheet items address proper site planning, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, resource-efficient building materials, indoor air quality, water conservation, homebuyer education, and all are verified during site visits and inspections.

EarthCraft-certified homes must also pass diagnostic tests for air infiltration and duct leakage standards. EarthCraft Technical Advisors provide technical assistance to the builder during the initial design review and throughout project design and construction.

Builders are also able to differentiate their homes in the areas of health, comfort, performance, and environment by earning optional badges in those areas. 

Getting Started with EarthCraft House 

To participate in the single-family new construction program, builders first attend a one-day training that provides an overview of the program and basic building science approaches. Scheduled trainings can be found on our Events page. On-demand training is available. Please contact Abigail Meier for access. 

Builders then apply to join the program. Once accepted, they are partnered with an EarthCraft Technical Advisor (TA) in their area who will work with them throughout the construction process. 

The Certification Worksheet and Technical Guidelines are the core documents of the EarthCraft House program.

Certification Costs

Base Certification: $700 plus $0.25/square-foot over 3000 sq. ft. $475 is due at the time of registration.

Badge	Added Cost
Performance Badge or HERS Rating	+ $375
Comfort Badge	+ $100
Environment Badge	+ $50
Health Badge	+ $50

EarthCraft House Steps 

Step 1: Become an EarthCraft Builder Member

In order to certify EarthCraft single family projects, a builder must first become a certified builder member. Prerequisites:

• Local HBA Member – Builders must be a current member of their local Home Builders Associations. Non-Profit Organizations are exempt from this requirement.
• Attend EarthCraft Building Professional Training – This one day training covers the EarthCraft House program including participant roles and responsibilities, program guidelines and requirements, and the project certification process.
• Complete online membership application with the $150 annual membership fee.

Once the application is processed, the builder will receive a builder membership confirmation email and will be listed on our website.

Step 2: Pre-Construction

To officially start an EarthCraft House project, the builder must register each project online with Viridiant prior to the Pre-Drywall Inspection. The project’s EarthCraft Technical Advisor (TA) will follow up with the builder within two weeks of registration. The next step is for the builder to provide the TA with a Project Information Submittal at least two weeks prior to the Pre-Drywall Inspection. This submittal should include:

• Construction Specifications Sheet
• Site and House Plans, if not already provided during registration
• Manual J Load Calculations

The TA reviews the submission and communicates feedback to the builder and subcontractors as needed. If applicable, the TA creates a preliminary energy model to determine the project’s ability to meet program requirements. For a builder’s first house with the program, the TA leads a Design Review Meeting. Project goals, program compliance, and verification and testing schedule will be addressed.

Step 3: Pre-Drywall

It is the builder’s responsibility to schedule the Pre-Drywall Inspection with the TA and to ensure the project is ready for inspection. This inspection must occur before drywall is installed. The TA will perform the field inspection once:

• Framing and air sealing is completed
• Rough-ins and insulation are installed
• Documentation is ready for TA review

The TA provides a Pre-Drywall Inspection Report to Viridiant and the builder. Additional air sealing or insulation may be necessary depending on inspection results.

Step 4: Post-Construction

It is the builder’s responsibility to schedule the Final Inspection with the TA, ensure the project is ready for inspection, and prepare final documentation for TA review. The TA will perform the Final Inspection when Pre-Drywall inspections notes have been addressed and the home is ready for occupancy. The builder should be onsite for the entirety of the inspection. During the final inspection, the TA will:

• Assess the site and inspect HVAC
• Confirm plans and specifications
• Confirm EarthCraft Workbook and sign
• Perform diagnostic testing (blower door, duct blaster, and fresh air ventilation)

The TA provides a Final Inspection Report to the builder. After the Final Inspection, the TA updates the worksheet and the energy model (if applicable) based on as-built home specifications and performance.

Step 5: Certification

Interested In Doing More?

If you are interested in further distinguishing your projects, consider these additional designations:

• Zero Energy Ready or Net Zero
• ENERGY STAR (through 2025, some homes may qualify for an incentive up to $950)
• WaterSense
• Indoor airPlus