With LEED for Homes, Your Home Can be Recognized as Among the Best
ProfessionalsPublished September 14, 2011 at 8:20 am No Comments
The U.S. Green Building Council is a non-profit organization committed to encouraging green buildings worldwide. Since 1998, it has certified thousands of businesses, schools and homes in the United States and around the world with the LEED certification system. This system provides people seeking to build, or renovate, with a framework for measuring green building design, construction, operation and maintenance.
Becoming LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified is the most recognized way for a building to show its commitment to the environment, as LEED certification is the highest recognition given for green buildings worldwide. LEED certified buildings such as Boston’s Logan Airport, the Empire State Building and the Pentagon display their certification with pride, as do companies including Target, Starbucks, and Marriott. However, you don’t have to be a famous landmark or national brand to achieve certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Your home can achieve Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum LEED certification with the LEED for Homes program.
What is LEED for Homes?
LEED for Homes is a rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to measure your home’s green performance in eight areas:
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LEED certification is available for both existing homes and for new home construction. For existing homes, LEED certification is available to homeowners or homebuyers performing green renovations or upgrades to existing homes. If you are building a new home, your homebuilder will register with the LEED for Homes program and then work with everyone involved in the construction process to adhere to all the points on the LEED certification checklist. For both categories, upon completion of the renovations or construction, a certified rater will inspect the home and ensure that it meets LEED’s rigorous standards. The home will then be awarded a points rating and a certification level.
What are the Benefits of LEED Home Certification?
Having your home LEED certified provides many important benefits. First, when your home meets LEED standards, your energy usage will be 30-60% less, resulting in lower utility bills. Also, the indoor air quality of your home will be healthier for your family and the environmental footprint of your home will be greatly reduced. Your home’s resale value will increase and it may sell easier and faster than other homes. Second, a home that is LEED certified may qualify for many incentives, such as tax rebates, zoning allowances, reduced fees or technical assistance. The incentives vary by state and town, and more are being added as more homes and buildings become interested in LEED certification. Third, your home will become an example in your community and throughout the country. The LEED Seal of Quality announces that your home is a model of efficiency and represents a high commitment to the environment.
Your home is a representation of yourself and your personal values. Achieving LEED certification through the U.S. Green Building Council is a rigorous and highly comprehensive process, but the outcome is unmatched. With LEED certification, your home will be recognized as among the best in the country.
