To leverage resources available to support green homebuilding within a community, a city or county can take advantage of numerous programs that focus on durability, energy performance and health. Many of these programs are based on public/private partnership models.
 
Energy Star Homes Program, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides guidelines for energy efficiency. Energy Star homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code. Many also include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes.

Energy Star encourages energy-efficient features, such as effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and Energy Star-qualified lighting and appliances.  By the end of 2006, there were nearly 750,000 Energy Star homes, 200,000 of which earned the designation that year alone. These homes will generate more than $180 million in annually savings for homeowners.

Building America, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, relies on private/public partnership to develop energy solutions for new and existing homes. The program focuses on research of energy-efficient solutions that can be implemented on a production basis. Current initiatives include:

• Producing homes that use an average of 30 to 90 percent less energy.
• Integrating onsite power systems so that more "zero-energy" homes are feasible
• Implementing innovative energy- and material-saving technologies.

Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing, a public-private partnership coordinated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to support the development and use of technologies that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing. The program’s website includes a section where builders who have tried new technologies report on their experiences and share pros and cons.

American Lung Association Health House provides information to enhance health through improved ventilation, filtration and moisture control within homes. The Health House program offers standards, testing protocols, and training for home builders. The program is also a leading source of consumer information for making new and existing homes healthier, more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly.