Last year 200,000 new homes across the U.S. were certified by the EPA as Energy Star, bring the total of homes that are at least 15 percent above a 2004 standard home to 3/4 of a million.

In 15 states, more than 12 percent of all new homes were rated as superior by the EPA. Here's the rundown: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Vermont

According the EPA, these homes will save at least $180 million for homeowners by using less electricity and natural gas. Green building of new homes is one of the easiest ways to reduce our carbon emissions while making economic sense from day one since home buyers can write off the extra interest payments while paying less in utility bills each month.

In north San Diego a new building was just the 28th certified as Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Ranch House at Del Sur, part of the new Black Mountain Ranch development of 2,500 homes, was able to achieve platinum certification by doing as follows:

Through the incorporation of efficient appliances, weather-based irrigation and low-water plant palettes, combined annual estimated water savings are 70 percent, or more than one million gallons saved per year. A photovoltaic (solar) energy system provides about half the building’s power, while natural lighting, EnergyStar appliances, and efficient ductwork save approximately 57 percent of energy annually. Wind credits offset the remainder of the energy use, making the Ranch House a net-zero consumption facility.