Thanks much to all who took the time to answer this question. From them and from surfing the net, I take the following points:

1. There are sets of criteria ranging from Energy Star (simple) to LEED (complicated). There are common elements, e.g. more insulation is usually better, and some relatively minor disagreements.

2. There are many organizations who will collate and explain these criteria to owners and builders. Some do this for a fee, others gratis.

3. There are a few organizations (some the same as in #2) who will find out which incentives, rebates, tax credits, etc. are available to which parties for meeting which criteria.

4. Outside of complying with the building code(s), the person building the house can use any of the listed criteria. The builder may make his choice based on efficiency, marketability, sustainability, and/or something else

5. The builder can hire an disinterested evaluator to certify that criteria have been met.

It seems to me that there are three primarily important features of building performance: 1. a well-insulated building envelope, and 2. an efficient heating/cooling system, and 3. an efficient method of heating water

I would tentatively conclude that sprayed expanding foam insulation and good windows/doors, a ground source heat pump that makes hot water, and a whole-house heat recovery ventilator would give the building about a 9 on a green scale of 1 to 10. Certification would not be necessary unless I intend to sell the building immediately.

I have more research to do, but I would like to hear comment from the geniuses following this thread. Thanks.