New homes today are greener than ever – and that’s a big plus for homeowners.

Today’s new homes are considerably more energy-efficient than homes built even five years ago, largely because of higher-quality, higher-tech materials and good building science.

As a result, new homes are better at holding in hot and cool airin winter and summer, helping us save money all year long. Many builders are also offering low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) options for paints, as well as cabinetry made without formaldehyde, helping us breathe easier and contributing to increased indoor air quality.

Starting a painting project soon? The National Association of Home Builders recommends choosing paints that have been independently certified as low- or zero-VOC. For example, Benjamin Moore’s EcoSpec line is certified by Green Seal (www.greenseal.org) and the Greenguard Environmental Institute (www.greenguard.org), nonprofits that test, certify and promote low-emitting interior products.