What is LEED for Homes?
The LEED for Homes Rating System provides a tool for recognizing homes that are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient, durable, less costly to maintain, and healthy for their occupants. The rating system can be applied to single and multi-family homes and is intended for both market-rate and affordable housing.
What are the benefits of a LEED home?
LEED provides homeowners with the knowledge that they have a high-performing green home that costs less to operate. LEED homes offer:
- Economic benefits such as lower energy and water bills
- Environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Quality of life benefits like improved comfort and less maintenance
- Health benefits such as reduced exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins
- Third-party verification that a home has been inspected, performance-tested, and certified to meet LEED green building criteria
How does LEED for Homes work?
To become certified, projects must meet all prerequisites and a minium number of points within seven credit areas: location and linkages, sustainable sites, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and homeowner awareness. The number of points the project earns determines the level of LEED certification the project receives. LEED homes are rated by LEED for Homes Providers - local organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise in their region's market. Providers are responsible for training, coordinating, and overseeing LEED qualified inspectors and builder support staff.
LEED and BCB Homes, Inc.
BCB Homes certified the first LEED for Homes custom home in Southwest Florida in October, 2009. The home is located in the golf course community of Mediterra. BCB Homes currently has another home seeking LEED for Homes Silver Certification in The Moorings (Naples). This custom residence will be the first LEED Certified Green Home in the City of Naples and is the product of the client's desire to be eco-friendly by using cutting-edge technology that will provide them with durability and energy efficiencies. Please stay tuned for more information about this LEED Certified home that will be completed by the end of 2011.
For more information about LEED for Homes, please visit: www.leedforhomes.org