BISBEE — Cochise County now has a voluntary green building program after a unanimous vote by the county Board of Supervisors during Tuesday’s meeting.

The program for residential homes provides builders who use green technology in the construction of new developments, or even owner-builders, with a four-level rating system.

The rating depends on energy efficiency, water conservation, building size, home site location, xeriscaping and materials used in the home’s construction, said Susan Buchan, director of the Planning and Zoning Department and drafter of the new program. Developing near existing infrastructure also is encouraged.

Green building includes the use of recycled building materials, low or zero-volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, in paints and promotes the use of using local products to save on transportation costs. It reduces impacts on human health and the environment through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and even dismantling when the time comes. It covers the whole building life cycle, Buchan said.

The voluntary system has four ratings: Bronze, minimum of 100 points; Silver, 101 to 130 points; Gold, 131 to 160 points; and Platinum, more than 160 points. Buchan said points are given for each eco-friendly aspect of the new home.

In the program, homes are given one point for every 200 square feet under the average of 2,300 square feet. Smaller is better since fewer materials are used and the home will be easier to heat and cool.

Buchan pointed out that research indicates that for every doubling of house size there is a corresponding 15 to 50 percent increase in energy use and a 40 to 90 percent increase in materials used. That’s not to say one can’t get a green rating with a large home.

Such ratings also help the owner when the home is sold.

“Seventy-six percent of home buyers say they would pay more for green homes,” Buchan added. “It does boost resale value.”

Since new technologies and building materials are being developed continually, included is a clause that gives additional points for other ways of accomplishing the greening of a home.

Just as important as building green is knowing how to live green. That’s why Buchan included a requirement that educational materials be provided by the builder so residents know how to take full advantage of green systems in the homes.

Buchan plans to have staff trained in-house through numerous online government sites to save the county money.

The voluntary green building program will have no fees attached to it, though Buchan did say a small fee might be charged for owner/builders who opt out of county inspections just for plan reviews to determine what rating would apply.

Developers can take advantage of the new rating system, and Buchan plans to set up presentations for the construction community.

After the first of the year, the program will be available for viewing online.