Program Requirements

There are five major components of the AZGB Program: energy efficiency, water conservation, resource efficiency, improved indoor air quality and home owner education. The requirements for each of the program components are noted below: To qualify for AZGB certification all of the requirements shown below must be met.

Energy Efficiency

15% more energy efficient than the 2006 IECC or equivalent as demonstrated by plan analysis using AZGB approved software - EnergyGauge, RemRate, Energy Pro
HVAC designed to ACCA Manuals J, S and D
Diagnostic testing and visual inspections, where required, must be completed by an AZGB certified inspector
Provide internal pressure balancing by direct ducted or transfer type means of air return for normally occupied rooms that can be closed off from the main air conditioning. Direct return ducts shall be the same size as the supply duct. "Jump" ducts shall be a minimum of one nominal size larger than the supply duct to the room. Transfer grills shall be a minimum of 0.5 square inch per square foot of room size.
Install energy efficient water heaters with minimum Energy Factor (EF) ratings:

Gas EF: 40 gal=.61 60 gal=.57 80 gal=.53
Electric EF: 40 gal=.93 50 gal=.92 80 gal=.89

Install ENERGY STAR® rated dishwasher
Install compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for high use areas such as kitchens, dining rooms and family/living rooms
Install variable speed filter and circulation pumps on pools that are installed at the model home complex
Offer variable speed filter and circulation pumps for pools included as part of the new home purchase

Water Conservation

Indoor water savings - AZGB homes require indoor water use savings of 10,000 gallons per year versus a typical home using any combination of the following options:

Parallel hot water piping / manifold PEX system or conventional CPVC in the attic 7,800 gal
Centrally located water heater with CPVC in the attic 8,700 gal
Hot water recirculating CPVC in the attic 9,200 gal
High efficiency toilets (1.3 gal/flush or less) 2,300 gal
Low volume lavatory faucets (2.0 vs. 2.5 gpm) 1,200 gal
Low volume showerheads (2.0 vs. 2.5 gpm) 2,200 gal

Outdoor water savings - Front yard landscaping, when provided by the home builder, must include the following:

Front yard natural turf limited to no more than 25% of the front yard area
A “smart” controller for front yard water use if natural turf or spray heads are installed
Low water use trees and plants with drip system watering
Install xeriscape landscape for at least one model in the model home complex
Install modular media filter on swimming pools in the model home complex
Offer modular media filters on pools installed as part of the new home construction

Resource Efficiency

Separate wood product waste on site
Use finger-jointed studs or wood certified to a recognized product program. AZBG recognized programs include Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or comparable
Use engineered wood products (glulam, I-joists, laminated veneer lumber, etc.) or certified dimensional timber for all structural applications
Offer reclaimed or renewable wood flooring as an option

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Install MERV 8 rated HVAC filters on all return air grills. The filters must be sized for a maximum velocity of 300 feet per minute
Provide mechanically supplied outside air at the rate of 15 CFM per bedrooms plus one. Install a MERV 6 or better filter and electronically cycle fresh air 10minutes per hour
Paint, stains, and other interior wood finishes must meet AZGB maximum Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content standard
Use particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) certified to low formaldehyde emission standards. Particleboard per ANSI A208.1 (1999) standard. MDF per ANSI A208.2 (2002) standard. MDF painted, sealed or laminated with low VOC products is also acceptable
Install kitchen and bath vanity cabinets that meet the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Certification Program (ESP 01-06) (May 2006)
Offer low-emitting carpet, carpet pad and floor covering adhesives that meet the Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label certification as an option

Operation, Maintenance and Home Owner Education

The homeowner will be provided an Arizona Green Building certificate indicating that the home has met the AZGB program requirements. A copy of the AZGB requirements in effect at the time the home was built will also be provided.

The AZGB website will also provide links to educational materials to assist in maintaining your green home including:

APS and SRP energy saving tips
Indoor and outdoor water saving information
Use and disposal of Compact Florescent Lamps (CFL’s)
Information on air conditioning filters
Other information on the “green” features included in your home