| If you have ever been involved in the construction or | | | | power. Homeowners are able to generate their own |
| sale of homes in the past few years, you may have | | | | energy and enjoy a significant decrease the monthly |
| heard about LEED (Leadership in Energy and | | | | cost of utilities. |
| Environmental Design) certification. This voluntary | | | | As consumers become more aware of how LEED |
| Green Building Rating System(TM) promotes the | | | | features can increase their quality of living, they are |
| global adoption of sustainable green building and | | | | more likely to ask their real estate agent for homes |
| development practices. It is used widely in both | | | | that have this accreditation. |
| commercial and high-end residential construction. | | | | So how do people know that home is LEED certified? |
| But in recent months, the use of LEED criteria has | | | | Is there more than one way to attain this rating? |
| been increasing at all levels of development as | | | | Buildings can be LEED Certified at Silver, Gold, or |
| contractors pursue the reputation of being an | | | | Platinum levels based on a point system. Performance |
| environmentally conscious corporation. In 2008, the | | | | ratings in eight categories determine the level of |
| LEED for Homes (LEED-H) rating system was | | | | endorsement including: Indoor Environment Quality, |
| introduced, creating homes that are energy efficient, | | | | Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Site Selection, |
| as well as being more durable. By using less water | | | | Site Development, Materials Selection, Residents' |
| and natural resources, these homes actually help the | | | | Awareness and Innovation. |
| owners save money. | | | | The LEED for Homes certification system has been |
| When builders adhere to using products approved for | | | | designed for the construction of affordable, new |
| the Indoor Environment Quality standard, an | | | | single family or low-rise multi-family homes, including |
| important factor in LEED certification, homeowners | | | | condos and garden apartments. If older homes are |
| receive significant health benefits. When contractors | | | | undergoing extensive renovations, the construction |
| use low or non-VOC paints and adhesives, install | | | | process for these projects is also eligible for LEED |
| laminate flooring instead of carpet, and incorporate an | | | | certification rating. |
| effective air exchange or ventilation system - all | | | | A new level of pride of ownership has set in as the |
| requirements in LEED construction and design - | | | | public becomes more aware of the benefits of living |
| families can literally breathe easier. | | | | in a LEED-certified home. These homeowners know |
| Another money-saving benefit of living in a | | | | that they are doing their part for the environment, |
| LEED-certified house is the increased use of solar | | | | and often saving money at the same time. |