| The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design | | | | that builders use less materials. Incorporating |
| (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building | | | | advanced framing, a LEED certified home is sized and |
| certification system. First developed by the U.S. | | | | engineered to be built using fewer resources, which in |
| Green Building Council, this system has been adopted | | | | turn maximizes the energy efficiency of the house. |
| by many countries around the world. Residential and | | | | Health considerations also play a big part in |
| commercial contractors know that promoting their | | | | consumers' decision to look for LEED homes. The |
| project as LEED Certified will shine a positive light on | | | | Indoor Environment Quality standard ensures that a |
| the building, resulting in a higher property value. | | | | family living in a LEED-certified house will breathe |
| The LEED for Homes (LEED-H) rating system, | | | | significantly cleaner indoor air through the use of low |
| officially launched in February 2008, promotes the | | | | or non-VOC paints and adhesives, in addition to the |
| design and construction of high-performance green | | | | integration of an effective air exchange or ventilation |
| homes. These homes use less energy, water and | | | | system. Laminate flooring is used to avoid off-gassing |
| natural resources, create less waste, and are more | | | | and air pollution that can sometimes come with |
| durable and comfortable for occupants. | | | | carpet. |
| Builders strive for LEED Certified, Silver, Gold, or | | | | Another benefit for homeowners is the savings on |
| Platinum point ratings. As consumers become more | | | | utility costs. Adavances in solar heating and thermal |
| aware of the program and its benefits, they will also | | | | storage systems will help homeowners produce their |
| be looking for homes that have had garnered this | | | | own energy, thereby reducing their dependency on |
| environmental standard. As an example, a home that | | | | carbon-producing technology. |
| has achieved Platinum standing has reached a total of | | | | An increase in green building practices will drive the |
| 90-128 points of a possible 129. | | | | market to offer more energy-efficient and |
| This voluntary certification system is based on point | | | | environmentally responsible products at competitive |
| totals in eight categories, including: | | | | prices. Realtors will now have more ammunition in |
| - Energy and Atmosphere | | | | their sales basket with the added features and |
| - Innovation and Design Process | | | | benefits of LEED certificatied properties. |
| - Location and Linkages | | | | Savvy consumers are looking for ways to reduce |
| - Materials and Resources | | | | their monthly costs, and environmental impact is top |
| - Indoor Environmental Quality | | | | of mind for many people. Why not start with their |
| - Awareness and Education | | | | own home? |
| - Sustainable Sites | | | | There is also a certain pride for homeowners, |
| - Water Efficiency | | | | knowing they have done their homework and |
| New home construction using LEED guidelines actually | | | | bought, or built the most efficient home on the |
| saves money for consumers, starting with the fact | | | | market today. |