LEED for Homes

Eric Martin
Senior Research Engineer
321-638-1450
martin@fsec.ucf.edu

LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) has been recognized as the premier rating system for green commercial buildings. In 2006, the new LEED for Homes pilot was launched in eleven markets around the country. In 2008 the final version of LEED for Homes was rolled out on a national basis.  LEED for Homes is a voluntary initiative to actively promote more sustainable building practices in the home building industry. The LEED for Homes rating system is targeting the top 25% of homes with best practice environmental features.

LEED for Homes provides national consistency in defining the features of a green home and enable builders anywhere in the country to obtain a ‘green’ rating on their homes.  The LEED for Homes Rating System assigns points for green features such as energy efficiency, enhanced indoor air quality, water efficiency, and sustainable use of materials and land. Based on the number of green measures installed in a home, there are four different levels of LEED for Homes certification: certified, silver, gold, and platinum.

USGBC has selected organizations around the country as LEED for Homes Provider to provide locally-based technical, marketing, and verification support services to builders. Only these selected Providers are eligible to work with the builders in the delivery of LEED for Homes. The LEED for Homes program will ensure third-party verification services, including both on-site inspections and performance testing.  A complete list of LEED for Homes Providers can be found here: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1554

As a Provider, FSEC utilizes Field Agents to coordinate technical assistance and verification for projects seeking certification. List of Field Agents

To download a copy of the LEED for Homes Rating System and Project Checklist, and for more information on the LEED for Homes Rating System which includes topics such as What is LEED?, Building a LEED Home, 16 ways to Green Your Home, and other resources, visit: http://www.usgbc.org/leed/homes

Florida Solar Energy Center's Process for LEED for Homes

Typical Fees for Certifying Homes