Other Decisions: The availability of rebates and tax incentives for installing solar systems, purchasing electric vehicles, and making your residential or small commercial building energy efficient should be evaluated in the design process. The ability to get a building certified under a green or energy efficient program should not be overlooked since certifications will require independent third-party inspections that will ensure your goals are being met and can make a building more valuable.

Other programs available that are often overlooked are innovative design awards and green tags for eliminating pollution. To help ensure that all of these programs are considered it is important to enlist the help of a certified home energy rater, aka ‘HERS rater’. A HERS rater can also help you get an energy mortgage that has extra benefits, including provisions that help cover the fee of the energy rating.