Southface Program

EarthCraft

The Program Value & Impact

The Program

EarthCraft offers a proven path for commercial builders, green home builders, and affordable housing developers navigating funding difficulties to create high-performance, sustainable buildings that keep utility costs down. The program provides education, certification, and a powerful network of experienced professionals tackling the challenging energy, water, and climate conditions of the Southeast US. Developed by Southface Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA), EarthCraft has impacted more than 66,000 units since 1999.

EarthCraft Certifications

CoventryRoadFrontHouse-1024x684

EarthCraft House

Sustainable home builders use this residential program for new and existing single-family detached homes, townhomes, and duplexes. EarthCraft achieves up to 30% energy cost savings on average compared to standard new homes.

IMG_1460-scaled

EarthCraft Light Commercial

Commercial builders can apply this program to both new construction and most major renovations. It provides a cost-effective building strategy focused on efficiency, durability, and occupant health and comfort.

Multifamily

EarthCraft Multifamily

EarthCraft is the first multifamily-specific green building program in the US. It applies to low- and mid-rise projects on new and existing buildings and qualifies for affordable housing funding from the federal government and many Southeast states.

IMG_2310

EarthCraft Sustainable Preservation

This certification for historic building restoration projects was co-developed with The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. It blends current practices with what is inherently sustainable about historic preservation architecture.

View details & pricing
Our Location

Service Area

EarthCraft projects are in 8 states and Washington, D.C. Projects across the Southeast US are eligible. EarthCraft requires all buildings to be constructed by a certified EarthCraft Builder and be independently field verified by a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor.

Find EarthCraft Builder or Technical Advisor

EarthCraft Partners

The Process

Prepare
01

To get started, find and retain a certified EarthCraft Builder that works with the building type relevant to you, whether commercial builders, sustainable home builders, or specialists in historic building restoration. All buildings and renovations must be constructed by a certified EarthCraft Builder.

Register
02

Every EarthCraft project must be registered prior to the pre-drywall inspection. The registration fee is non-refundable and includes administration fees. However, it does not guarantee the project will be certified. 

Verify
03

EarthCraft also requires all buildings to be independently field verified by a certified EarthCraft Technical Advisor (TA). The TA will ensure that performance standards have been met. 

Earn
04

Gain recognition for your EarthCraft House, Multifamily, Light Commercial, or Sustainable Preservation project. This demonstrates to stakeholders, occupants, and potential buyers that you are committed to excellence.   

EarthCraft News + Updates