BuildSmart Information
for Builders
What is BuildSmart?
- BuildSmart® is FPL's energy efficient new home certification
program.
- BuildSmart partners with you to offer an energy efficiency
option on your single family detached and attached townhome.
- BuildSmart homes are up to 30% more energy efficient than
required by Florida's building code.
- FPL services include upgrade planning and energy calculations,
performance testing of air duct systems by state-certified inspectors,
and verification of upgrades prior to occupancy.
- BuildSmart homes are certified to be built to a higher standard
than Florida code requires.
Why become a BuildSmart builder?
The Florida Unified Building code has more stringent energy requirements than ever before. FPL BuildSmart helps you to find cost-effective solutions to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the Florida code.
Consumer research* shows that:
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Buyers look to their builder for information about energy
efficiency.
BuildSmart provides an FPL-endorsed solution
that meets the needs of energy-conscious buyers.
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Buyers want homes that cost less to maintain and operate.
BuildSmart
homes have lower energy bills, with average annual savings of
$250 or more.
-
Buyers place a greater trust in BuildSmart builders.
BuildSmart
helps to differentiate you and your product. Certification by
FPL acknowledges that your product is superior to homes that
simply comply with code, reflecting your commitment to quality.
* Homebuyer Understanding, Burke Inc., 2000
How does BuildSmart work?
BuildSmart certification is based on three criteria:
1.
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The home's e-Ratio score. Code requires every home to meet a score of 100 or lower. BuildSmart homes exceed the e-Ratio minimum by 10% or more, resulting in an e-Ratio of 90 or lower.
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2.
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Cooling and heating air ducts must pass a pressurized test.
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3.
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The central air conditioning system must have a minimum cooling efficiency (SEER) of 13.
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Overview of the BuildSmart process
Plan Review
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FPL's energy experts review the
plans of your most popular models. We'll help identify the
cost-effective path to making the homes BuildSmart. Some
models may qualify without modification.
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EPI - E Ratio
Calculations
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FPL will calculate future energy
savings based on the BuildSmart package(s) you plan to offer.
We'll let you know how much your customers can expect to
save in the years to come. You may choose to include these
savings estimates in your BuildSmart sales presentation.
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Inspection and Certification
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FPL inspects every BuildSmart
home. Our inspectors perform a rigorous leak detection test
of the air conditioning duct system and verify that energy
upgrades are in place. The home is certified as BuildSmart,
and a certificate is issued for presentation to the new home owners.
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Marketing support from FPL
As a certified BuildSmart builder you will receive
- pro-forma energy calculations to aid in pricing BuildSmart
packages for your best selling models
- site signs to help buyers identify you as a BuildSmart builder
- sales staff briefing on the advantages of BuildSmart
- rights to use the FPL BuildSmart seal of approval in your
advertising and
- listing on FPL.com's
Builder
and Contractor locator.
Learn more about BuildSmart
Want to know more?
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