IID Energy is partnering with the Building Industry Association, Desert Chapter in brining the California Builder Program (CGB) to the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. Designed to guide builders in more efficient home building, the CGB has been widely successful in other regions of the state.  

IID Energy has pledged more than $500,000 towards support of the CGB program.  The utility will be offering builders rebates and cost off-sets up to $1,700 per home.  Rebates will be dependant upon individual home/model design and the amount of energy efficiency achieved.

To qualify, homes must exceed Title 24 by 15 percent or more. Homes that can also demonstrate reduced cooling needs by 20 percent will receive additional savings. CGB homes use less energy, less water and consume fewer trees than similar-sized homes.  In addition, they are designed to use at least 20,000 gallons less water each year than comparable homes through the use of carefully engineered landscaping plans, water-efficient plumbing designs, and in some cases extremely efficient fixtures and appliances. 

Consumers benefit from lower energy bills and more comfortable homes because CGB homes are built with advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that ensure proper ventilation and air filtration. The environment benefits through the conservation of precious energy and water resources, including the use of lumber grown in sustainable forests and engineered wood products. California Green Builders agree to divert at least half of their job-site solid waste from local landfills as well.  

Additionally, CGB builders gain a significant marketing advantage — an even more important benefit now that the housing market is returning to a more normal state. Many homebuyers are interested in buying an environmentally friendly home. Trends in home buying suggest being green and ecologically correct is important to new homebuyers.  

California Green Builder Fact Sheet gb_facts_iid.pdf