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 home as well as certain attached-home products.
- BuildSmart homes are up to 30 percent more efficient than homes built to the minimum energy performance standard required by Florida's building code.
- FPL services include energy-efficiency analysis and recommendations, testing of HVAC air duct systems by trained FPL inspectors, and verification of energy-efficient upgrades prior to occupancy.
- BuildSmart homes are certified to be built to a higher standard than Florida code minimum requirements.
Why become a BuildSmart builder?
The Florida building code has more stringent energy requirements than ever before. FPL BuildSmart helps you find cost-effective solutions to exceed the minimum performance 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.
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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:
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1. |
The home's e-Ratio score. Code requires every home to meet a score of .85 or lower. BuildSmart homes are targeted to exceed the e-Ratio minimum by 10 percent or more, resulting in an e-Ratio of .77 or lower. |
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2. |
Cooling and heating air ducts must pass a diagnostic test. |
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3. |
The central air conditioning system must have a minimum cooling efficiency (SEER) of 13. |
Overview of the BuildSmart process
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Plan Review |
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. |
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EPI - E-Ratio
Calculations |
FPL will calculate projected energy performance 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. |
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Inspection and Certification |
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 homeowner. |
Marketing support from FPL
As a certified BuildSmart builder you will receive:
- Pro-forma energy performance calculations to aid in marketing your homes
- 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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