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

To be an Energy Star efficient house, these homes must meet these criteria set by the government at www.energystar.gov:

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

What precisely is an Energy Star rating and why is it the green choice?

We’ll talk about green energy. Unfortunately, the concept is tossed around so often that people claim many products are “green” simply because they produce less harm to the ecosystem than another product. When we discuss about green, we’re discussing a major impact of contaminants or a significant conservation of energy.

When it comes to homes, the main green effect 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 massive negative environmental impact. By reducing the electric demand, you effectively reduce the amount of toxic fuel that needs to be burned. By doing a few things in your house, you can greatly reduce your electric demand.

First, you want to use high quality insulation in new construction. Make use of enough insulation to sufficiently protect your new home from the outside elements. Ideally, you should insulate your walls, attic, floors and basement to help keep an even inside temperature. The more consistent the inside temperature, the less often your heat will kick on, using energy to stabilize the temperature.

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

Solid construction is critical. Small holes can create significant drafts that allow heat to get out 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 greatly reduce your energy expenses. With new homes, tight and solid construction, especially around external pipes and duct work, you will have a major impact.

Finally, as you choose a builder, for example www.EmmyHomes.com on Long Island, be sure the new homes have a verified Energy Start certification. This helps protect you to make sure that you are getting the energy savings that you should get from your new construction.

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