Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED®) is a national certification system implemented by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that certifies the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. While other certifications are different from state to state, one of the benefits to LEED® is that it is a nationally recognized system.
Some key facts to know about the LEED® system are:
There are LEED® certifications for both commercial and residential buildings. If you are interested in learning more about residential LEED® buildings, visit LEED® for Homes.
Homes are assessed for their sustainability and earn points toward their certification in five different areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
A home must be inspected by a third-party certifier to qualify as a LEED® home.
The LEED® for Homes certification system is intended for new single-family homes or low-rise multifamily homes (such as condos). Existing homes undergoing extensive renovations also are eligible. For homeowners looking to remodel, but not undergo extensive renovation, the USGBC has created the REGREEN program, which encompasses green residential remodeling guidelines for existing homes.
LEED® certifications typically are acquired through the builder, so if you are interested in purchasing or building a LEED®-certified home, it’s important that you work with a green builder or green-certified REALTOR® to ensure the home you are buying meets the certification requirements.
For more details on the LEED® certification system, click here.