We, with our loved ones, spend most of our time and our money in our homes, apartments, and condos.
Residential Green in terms of LEED applies to new (and major renovation of) single-family homes, low-rise multi-family (one to three stories), or mid-rise multi-family (four to six stories). Learn more
Green homes have a myriad of benefits for your family, your environmental footprint, and your wallet. Green homes are more comfortable and durable, more energy and water efficient, and have a smaller overall environmental footprint than conventional homes.
LEED Certified homes are energy efficient, conserve water and vital resources, and integrate environmentally preferred products into the design and construction of a home. A home that achieves LEED Certification has been designed to maximize fresh air indoors, minimizing exposure to airborne toxins and pollutants. On average, LEED Certified homes use 20-30 percent less energy than a home built to code, with some homes reporting up to 60 percent savings, which lowers energy costs and utility bills every month throughout the life of the house.
The bottom line is that we spend at least a third of our lives in our homes, and if you've been a stay-at-home parent or work from home, more than two-thirds. Our homes are the center of family life, rest and companionship. They are the focal point for sustainability and economic, human and environmental health. Shouldn't that critical component of our lives be as healthy environment as possible for you and your family?
LEED FOR HOMES RATING SYSTEM
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The LEED Homes rating system was created in 2008 as a way for single-family homes and multi-family buildings to achieve LEED certification. LEED Homes projects undergo a technically rigorous process to become certified, including multiple on-site inspections and quality assurance so that builders, architects and homeowners can rest assured they get what they paid for and specified. More than 1.5 million residential units are currently participating in LEED in the world. USGBC’s 2015 Green Building Economic Impact report found that the residential green construction market is expected to grow from $55 million in 2015 to $100.4 million in 2018, representing a year-over-year growth of 24.5 percent.
LEED in Motion: Residential
This free report features interviews with the best and brightest residential minds and profiles on high-achieving LEED for Homes projects. Discover how LEED Certified homes, apartments and condominium buildings are transforming the industry and lives across the globe.
LEED for Homes Green Raters
All projects pursuing LEED for Homes Certification must have a LEED for Homes Green Rater perform the required onsite verification. Green Raters have the following responsibilities... click here to learn more.
LEED for Homes Providers
All Green Raters work with LEED for Homes Provider Organizations to complete the verification process for each LEED for Homes project... click here to learn more.
Renovating?
Good for you! Renovating is many more times green in terms of embodied energy saved than building new. Here are some resources:
Energy Renovation For Your Home -- How-To Videos from USGBC Northern Gulf Coast
The USGBC Northern Gulf Coast Region has created a series of how-to videos showing owners, buyers and families living in older homes how to save monies while improving comfort, conserving energy, and helping the environment. Click here to learn more.
Why Do I Need An Energy Audit?
First, click here to review a short, informative video that explains what home performance is all about. Second, you should have an energy audit because it will... click here to learn more.
Green Homes Q&A
Need more information about greening your home? The USGBC's Green Home Guide as an outstanding "Ask a Pro" archive of advice. It also allows individuals to post questions, which adds to the treasure trove of valuable information.
Useful Residential Green Building Links & Info
