GreenPoint Rated is a third-party green building verification system developed by Build It Green.

DEFINITION
The GreenPoint Rated system is directed at residential construction, both new and existing structures. Build It Green is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices in California. Build It Green works with mainstream stakeholders in the housing industry to accelerate the adoption of green building practices. A GreenPoint Rated home is graded on five categories: energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor air quality, water conservation, and community.1

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The GreenPoint rating system is a whole-system approach to overall sustainability focusing on resource conservation, indoor air quality, water conservation, community, and energy efficiency.

BENEFITS
GreenPoint Rated homes benefit many. Homeowners are assured of a building's performance if it has a GreenPoint seal; green contractors can be encouraged to develop environmentally-sound projects; and local governments can reach emission reduction goals easier. The GreenPoint rating system strives for market stimulation.

DISADVANTAGES
Critics say that this rating system sacrifices maximal sustainability in favor of familiarity of building owners and home-builders with basic sustainability activities.

VALLEY ACCESS POTENTIAL
GreenPoint Rated has been endorsed by the Home Builders Association of Northern California (HBANC). In addition, HBANC has endorsed the adoption of mandatory green building ordinances in its 14 county service area. GreenPoint Rated is being incorporated in the green building ordinances of many California cities including San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa and dozens of other cities. In addition, Build It Green holds many professional certification training sessions throughout the Valley.

GREENPOINT RATED IN THE GREAT CENTRAL VALLEY
The City of Davis has incorporated the GreenPoint Rated system into its green building program. Each new single family dwelling, addition, or remodel must submit a GreenPoint Rated checklist with the permit application.

For more information on GreenPoint Rated visit www.builditgreen.org.

1 Build It Green: www.builditgreen.org (last accessed April 22, 2009)