Our residential new construction programs help building professionals create sustainable, energy efficient new homes (single and multi-family) that exceed building code requirements. We work with construction professionals to introduce and manage innovative, successful new construction programs that attract broad participation—and achieve impressive results. We work directly with architects, builders, developers, homebuyers, and others to elevate building practices for greater energy efficiency, comfort, health, and safety along with lower greenhouse gas emissions.

We are new home experts
Using a whole-house ("house as a system") approach, CSG promotes and administers a wide range of new construction programs and services. We work with energy program administrators and others to recruit, train, inspire, and enable builders and contractors to practice energy-efficient and sustainable new construction techniques in single and multi-family homes.

Services:

  • HERS ratings
  • Building performance design support
  • Energy modeling
  • Complete building performance testing
  • Industry consulting and diagnostic services
  • Renewable energy consulting
  • ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes certification
  • U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® for Homes certification (New England)
  • Earth Advantage certification (New England)

    Why Choose CSG?

  • Program experience—Since 1990 CSG has designed and managed large-scale new construction programs to transform the marketplace and improve new construction practices—and increase the value of homes. We reach the building professionals who can make energy efficiency part of their construction practices—so home buyers have new energy-efficient choices when looking for a new home. We also help you take advantage of all available incentives and rebates offered by energy program administrators and other energy-related groups in your area.

  • Whole-house approach—We have expertise in all areas of designing energy-efficient homes, from the building shell (walls, roof, windows) to HVAC systems to preventing air leaks.

  • ENERGY STAR expertise—We have helped create about 50,000 new ENERGY STAR-qualified homes, giving us a broad and deep knowledge of the best design and construction strategies. The ENERGY STAR label on your home is evidence that the home is at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

  • Green and healthy focus—In New England, CSG offers both LEED for Homes and Earth Advantage certifications. A truly green home offers more efficient performance in terms of energy, water, and natural resources compared with a conventionally built home. It also creates less waste, and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits include lower monthly operating costs, reduced greenhouse gas and other emissions, and fewer indoor toxins such as volatile organic compounds, mold and mildew.

  • LEED® for Homes—CSG was selected by the USGBC as a LEED for Homes pilot demonstration provider in 2006 and is a top ranking LEED for Homes certifier in the Northeast. LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance "green" homes. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

  • Earth Advantage—Earth Advantage Homes in New England is a certification program tailored to our region and designed to promote energy-efficient, healthy, earth-sensitive residential construction. The energy saving features in a certified home are expected to reduce energy consumption by about 15 percent compared with a home built to 2008 state building code. The home will also exceed standard building practice and the code minimum in these important areas: health, land, materials, and water.

  • Comprehensive building performance testing—We monitor or test all aspects of a home—insulation levels, building air leakage, duct leakage and room-by-room airflow testing, mechanical ventilation needs, and carbon monoxide levels.