The home is equipped with central air conditioning.

The home is equipped with wall or window units used for cooling.

The home does not have any type of cooling mechanism.

The home is cooled using energy efficient appliances, such as an air conditioner, which is qualified by the energy star logo.

The home features a geothermal heat pump, which is similar to an ordinary heat pump, but instead of using heat found in outside air, it relies on the stable, even heat of the earth to provide heating.

Generally allows for temperature control for areas or groups of rooms.

Heat is delivered to the home using an energy efficient appliance such as a water heater, boiler, etc… that is qualified by the energy star logo.

The home has a summer/winter hook up system, which use a gas or oil fired boiler to heat hot water for radiator or baseboard heating. They also provide the hot water for your house and eliminate the need for a water heater tank.

The home features an on-demand hot water heater, which only creates hot water when it is needed, making much more energy efficient.

The home features a geothermal heat pump, which is similar to an ordinary heat pumps, but instead of using heat found in outside air, it relies on the stable, even heat of the earth to provide heating.

Bio fuel is a fuel produced from dry organic matter or combustible oils produced by plants.

Also known as a municipal sewer, it is the main sewer system to which private sewers are connected.

A tank, commonly buried, to which all of the wastewaters from the home should flow into.

Same as an on-site septic tank, but is shared with other homes either on the property or in the area.

Sewage and waste waters are removed from the home in a manner that is not listed here.

The water for the home comes from a public source.

The water for the home comes from on-site water well or spring.

The water for the home comes from shared water well or shared spring, usually shared with other homes or businesses.

The water for the home comes from a private source or is shared within a community.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are 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.

Measures and rates, on a scale, the relative energy efficiency of any house, regardless of age, efficiency, or fuel use. HERS calculations include estimates of annual energy performance and costs and recommendations for cost-effective, energy-efficiency improvements.

Measures and rates, on a scale, the relative energy efficiency of any house, regardless of age, efficiency, or fuel use. HERS calculations include estimates of annual energy performance and costs and recommendations for cost-effective, energy-efficiency improvements.

The recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. The LEED green building rating system -- developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.

For homes to become Green Certified, the Standard requires green building practices in six categories: Lot Design, Preparation, and Development; Resource Efficiency; Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; Operation, Maintenance, and Building Owner Education.

The home has other (not green) certifications that are not listed here.