Washington, DC — Earth Day is April 22 and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) encourages homeowners everywhere to take simple steps to reduce energy use - and to think green when they buy a new home.

“We are all proud of the significant steps our members have taken to make new homes more energy efficient,” said NAHB President Sandy Dunn, a West Virginia home builder. “More than 100,000 green homes have been built by our members in home builder association programs around the country. We're moving the market – in a voluntary, cost-effective way.”

Per square foot, new homes consume less than two-thirds the energy of older homes for heating and air conditioning, according to federal utility use audits and research by NAHB economists. “Americans who have bought a new home recently should all take a big bow on Earth Day,” Dunn said. “Today's energy-efficient homes leave a lighter footprint – and that's something about which new homeowners can be very pleased.”

Energy efficiency is an important driver in the green building movement and usually accounts for about half the costs of making a traditional home a green home, NAHB studies show. In the new NAHB National Green Building Program, homes must be 15% more energy efficient than required by the prevailing building code to meet the Bronze level of certification.

Consumers can choose a builder or remodeler who participates in the NAHB National Green Building Program and local home builders association programs or who is a Certified Green Professional when they are ready to buy a new green home or renovate their existing home.