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BuildSmart Information
for Builders
|
Why become a BuildSmart builder? | How does BuildSmart work? | Overview of the BuildSmart process | Marketing support from FPL | Learn more about BuildSmart
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 product.
- BuildSmart homes are 10% 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:
- Buyers look to their builder for information about energy efficiency. BuildSmart provides an FPL-endorsed solution that meets the needs of energy-conscious buyers.
- 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. |
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. |
2. |
Cooling and heating air ducts must pass a pressurized test. |
3. |
The central air conditioning system must have a minimum cooling efficiency (SEER) of 11. |
Overview of the BuildSmart process
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. Some models may qualify without modification. |
EPI Calculations |
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. |
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 owners. |
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?
- Contact the FPL BuildSmart energy expert nearest you and learn how BuildSmart can work for you.
- Download the BuildSmart Trade Ally Standards (PDF 23k). This file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't already have it, download it now.