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Introduction

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) established LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as a system to define and measure “green buildings.”  The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.  The LEED for Homes rating system is part of the comprehensive suite of LEED assessment tools to provide national consistency in defining the features of a green home and to enable builders anywhere in the country to obtain a ‘green’ rating on their homes.

Overview of LEED for Homes 

LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high performance "green" homes. A green home uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins.

LEED for Homes is a collaborative initiative targeting the top 25% of new homes with best practice environmental features.  The LEED Rating System recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards, and gives homeowners confidence that their home is durable, healthy, and environmentally friendly. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest performance standards. 

By recognizing sustainable design, construction, and operations practices in homes nationwide, LEED for Homes helps home builders to differentiate their homes as some of the best homes in their markets, using a recognized national brand.  Furthermore, home buyers will be able to readily identify high quality green homes, simply by selecting LEED Homes.

USGBC began the pilot test of LEED for Homes in August 2005. Currently, more than 200 builders representing 4200 homes across the U.S. are participating in the pilot program. In Texas alone, over 25 builders representing more than 240 single or multi-family homes are participating.  The pilot test will conclude in spring 2007 and USGBC will publicly launch the LEED for Homes rating system in summer 2007.

The LEED for Homes Green Rating System

The LEED for Homes rating system works by awarding credits for different aspects of environmental design in each of the categories below.  The “shade of green,” or the level of performance achieved in the above categories, is separated into four performance tiers.  LEED for Homes will rate qualified homes at the Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels according to how many points the home achieves in the Rating System.

The LEED for Homes rating system uses eight different resource categories to measure the overall performance of a home. Each category is more fully explained in the LEED for Homes Pilot Rating System Version 1.11a (PDF)

1. Innovative Design—the category for recognition of a home meeting an intent not already defined in the Rating System or exceeding the maximum performance set out in a particular credit.
2. Location and Linkages—the placement of homes in socially and environmentally responsible ways in relation to the larger community.
3. Sustainable Sites—the use of the entire property in such a way to minimize the impact on the site.
4. Water Efficiency—the water conservation practices (both indoor and outdoor) built into the home.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality—the improvement of indoor air quality by reducing possible air pollution.
6. Materials and Resources—the minimization of materials used during construction, recycling of construction materials, and the durability measures.
7. Energy and Atmosphere—the improvement of energy efficiency particularly in the building envelope and heating and cooling design.
8. Awareness and Education—the education of homeowner or tenant about the operations and maintenance of the green features of his / her home.

How to Participate in LEED for Homes 

In a new approach for USGBC, low-rise single and multi-family residential projects seeking LEED certification are rated by LEED for Homes Providers.  These Providers are regional organizations that have demonstrated experience and expertise in supporting builders wishing to build high performance, sustainable homes. The strength of the LEED for Homes program is its third-party verification through the LEED for Homes Providers. Contects - Consultants and Architects was chosen by USGBC to help administrator the LEED for Homes program in Texas.   Contects is under contract to the USGBC to perform the following specific services: recruiting and certifying builders for LEED for Homes, coordination of raters, assistance in certification of LEED Homes, quality assurance for the certifications, facilitation of trainings for all stakeholders in their local market, and coordination with USGBC and the local USGBC chapter.  

Five Steps to Participate 

There are six basic steps for a builder / project manager to follow in participating in LEED for Homes:

1. Contact a LEED for Homes Provider and join the program
2. Identify a Project Team
3. Build the home to the stated goals
4. Certify the project as a LEED Home
5. Market and Sell the LEED Home

Refer to LEED Process for a more detailed description of the Certification process.