Green/Sustainable Design

United States Green Building Council’s Rating System of Certifying Green Homes.

In the past several years LEED has been primarily focused on the commercial building industry. LEED for Homes is the latest addition to the USGBC’s rating system. It is designed to insure home owners a safer, healthier, more comfortable, durable home that is energy and resources efficient. The rating system currently is for NEW construction and a program for existing homes is being considered.

The rating system will focus on performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development; water efficiency; energy efficiency; material selection; indoor environmental quality. Valuable health benefits would include healthier indoor air, lower utility bills, less water waste, durable and environmentally friendly building materials, and higher market value.

Here are a few tips recommended to GREEN your Home:

Switch to compact fluorescent lighting

Program your thermostat

Plug air leaks in your home

Clean your air filter in your HVAC

Choose ENERGY STAR appliances

Reduce water use

Switch to Green power

Buy locally

Use low VOC products

Learn more about LEED for Homes by visiting www.usgbc.org.