How LEED certification works?

Let's say you are building a house. You want to "build green" because you're trying to be more responsible to the environment - and you'd also want to save money on utilities and maximize the resale value of the home. Where to start, you'll probably be looking at LEED. 

 

 

 

In 1998, the US Green Building Council in Washington DC developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system, which became the authority for builders wishing to work with the environment. LEED green building requirements can be applied to new construction or older homes, but only new homes can be officially certified. The regulations are designed to ensure that the construction is healthy and sustainable for the occupants and the environment. 

Some cities have taken the initiative to adopt green techniques in their city's building code. For example, in March 2006 Pasadena, California became the first local government to require LEED certification for private construction. As of October 2007, 22 states and 75 US cities had adopted policies to require or encourage LEED green building practices. 

 

Some major new buildings in New York have also turned to LEED. In September 2006, Hearst Tower received the city's first gold certification, in part for its innovative framework, which uses far less steel than a traditional skyscraper. Seven World Trade Center, the first in the WTC complex to be rebuilt, also won the gold medal for its air quality improvements, water and energy conservation measures, and reduction garbage. With the renovation of United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said he hopes the US campus "will become a globally recognized model of efficient use of energy and resources." The goal for the buildings is LEED silver certification. 

 

There are a few categories of LEED certification – for schools, commercial buildings, and commercial interiors, for example – but in this article, we'll talk about LEED for Homes. We'll go through the checklist step by step, which includes a number of areas where you can earn points for certification. 

But what if you already own your home? Currently, LEED for Homes certification is only for new home construction or good renovations, but many recommendations can be applied to existing homes, especially if you want to work on green landscaping and materials, conservation of water and energy and indoor air quality. 

 

 

Written by Dago Guy Charles at the international department

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