The Environments For Living® program has been expanded to include a new top-tier level – Diamond Class – which includes additional “green building” elements such as water efficiency and stricter advanced indoor air quality (IAQ) requirements, along with the program’s traditional emphasis on energy efficiency.

Diamond Class homes must meet all of the program’s Platinum-level requirements and exceed the Platinum level in one or more of several key components of green building, such as energy efficiency, water conservation and advanced IAQ. As with all Environments For Living Program Requirements, builders who wish to build Diamond Class homes have the flexibility to use the products and materials they choose to meet the necessary performance metrics. Builders may request a list of products and materials that meet the program’s Performance Requirements.

One important distinction is that, in addition to the Program’s Requirements, the Diamond Class level includes several builder options.

Another important distinction is that, under one of several builder options, Diamond Class homes are required to satisfy the new, more stringent energy efficiency and related demands established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Homes built under this option may be eligible to qualify for a federal tax credit.

Builders may achieve the Diamond Class label by satisfying the requirements of one of two tracks:

- Under Track 1, the home must satisfy the energy efficiency and related requirements established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Diamond Class training must be completed.

- Under Track 2, all homes must meet the program's Platinum Level requirements and the Diamond Class training must be completed.

Please click on the Diamond Level Requirements below for additional details.