Urban
Green - Rebuilding the Urban Landscape for our Future…
So, how do I know that my home has been designed and built to
Green
standards?
What is LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
LEED provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building lifecycle, however at present, these actions are not required of builders or homeowners so they are done voluntarily. One of the guiding principles of the Urban Green concept however is to design and build homes proactively that meet rigid Green standards NOW, rather than wait 5-10 years from now when they become standardized and enforced at a much higher cost to the environment and the homeowner.
Where it Begins
For homes to truly be Green, by today's building standards it takes a lot more than just "talking the talk" it takes incorporating specific techniques and materials into the design and construction to actually make it green! To actually "walk the walk," a home needs to adhere to several specific codes and standards before it can be deemed a green home and one of the best ways to determine if your home meets these standards is LEED Certification.
What is LEED® Certification 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. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.
The first step to LEED certification is to register your project. A project is a viable candidate for LEED certification if it can meet all prerequisites and achieve the minimum number of points to earn the Certified level of LEED project certification. To earn certification, a building project must meet certain prerequisites and performance benchmarks ("credits") within each category. Projects are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve. This comprehensive approach is the reason LEED-certified buildings have reduced operating costs, healthier and more productive occupants, and conserve our natural resources.
For more information on LEED® Certification, please go to the US Green Builders Council website at www.usgbc.org.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
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Sustainable Sites – Structures made to last, endure and blend into its environment, while minimizing its impact on it.
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Water Efficiency – Structures that minimize both the consumption and pollution of water.
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LEED provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building lifecycle, however at present, these actions are not required of builders or homeowners so they are done voluntarily. One of the guiding principles of the Urban Green concept however is to design and build homes proactively that meet rigid Green standards NOW, rather than wait 5-10 years from now when they become standardized and enforced at a much higher cost to the environment and the homeowner.
Where it Begins
For homes to truly be Green, by today's building standards it takes a lot more than just "talking the talk" it takes incorporating specific techniques and materials into the design and construction to actually make it green! To actually "walk the walk," a home needs to adhere to several specific codes and standards before it can be deemed a green home and one of the best ways to determine if your home meets these standards is LEED Certification.
What is LEED® Certification 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. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.
The first step to LEED certification is to register your project. A project is a viable candidate for LEED certification if it can meet all prerequisites and achieve the minimum number of points to earn the Certified level of LEED project certification. To earn certification, a building project must meet certain prerequisites and performance benchmarks ("credits") within each category. Projects are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits they achieve. This comprehensive approach is the reason LEED-certified buildings have reduced operating costs, healthier and more productive occupants, and conserve our natural resources.
For more information on LEED® Certification, please go to the US Green Builders Council website at www.usgbc.org.
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