Why LEED?

Why build a "green" home? Green homes are thoughtfully designed and constructed to minimize environmental impacts and to promote good health for their occupants. 


The residential sector accounts for 22% of all energy consumed in the U.S., 7% of all water use, and 21% of carbon dioxide emissions (USDOE). Green homes help reduce energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emisssions.


Compared to other homes, energy efficient features in green homes may include better insulation as well as more efficient windows, lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, and appliances (e.g. refrigerators, dishwashers, clotheswashers). Some green homes use passive solar design to minimize energy use (and some even feature solar panels or other technologies that produce renewable energy on site).


In addition to environmental benefits, investments in energy efficiency translate to lower utility bills for the home's occupants. The same is true for water-saving measures (e.g. low-flow faucets, low flush toiets and low-maintenance landscaping) which help minimize the occupant's water bills.


Many green homes use as many earth and human friendly products as possible. These products may be non-toxic or less toxic than conventional materials. Green construction materials may also be manufactured locally or regionally (reducing environmental impacts associated with long-distance shipping), or may be made of recycled or rapidly renewable raw materials. Some green materials are certified based on reduced environmental impacts associated with their production; for example, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that wood products are produced using sustainable and ecologically responsible forestry practices.


Finally, green homes include adeqaute ventillation and features that improve indoor air quality.

Water efficient landscaping is another feature of many green homes, and green homes often use recycled and/or locally manufactured landscaping materials. The landscaping and roof of a green home may also be designed to reduce "urban heat island effects" that occur when dark colored pavements and roof surfaces that retain heat make developed areas hotter than less developed areas.

Even a home's location can help reduce the environmental impacts associated with living in a green home. For example, a home located within walking distance of goods and services makes it possible for a home's residents to drive less.

One advantage of a LEED Certified home is that "green" claims are verified by a third-party evaluation of the home based on comprehensive standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.