Good to Know: Green Home Certification—What You Need to Know
Understanding LEED, Green Globes and the criteria for these eco-certification systems.
March/April 2006
By Wendy Underhill
In coming years, homebuyers will hear about green-building certifications, but how do you distinguish between tough standards that make a difference and greenwash? Here’s how “green” is defined under two certifications—LEED for Homes and Green Globes—although others are sure to come. Also, keep in mind that if you can afford to custom build, you can be your own quality controller by partnering with a trustworthy builder to create a new home that meets your standards for health, comfort and sustainability.
RELATED CONTENT
Two new software programs are now available for improving green building....
People's Food Co-op, in Oregon, expanded its space with this sustainable building method: cob....
PatternLanguage.com shows homeowners and designers how to use sustainable techniques to design buil...
The New College of California, Santa Rosa offers students degrees in green building to promote a mo...
Volunteer, travel, and build homes for impoverished communities with Builders Without Borders....
LEED: Coming Soon to a Home Near You—Ready to buy or build a new home? Trying to figure out how to make that easy on the environment? How do you compare all the materials and technologies available? By 2007 the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) plans to offer a rating system of environmental standards for new homes to help prospective homeowners make more informed decisions.
What is LEED? In 2000, the USGBC established the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program—the green equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal—for commercial buildings. Soon the council will offer the same kind of certification for residential building.
Redefining green: The LEED for Homes program will demonstrate that a high-performance, sustainable house includes comfort, quiet, a healthy indoor environment, low maintenance and beauty, says USGBC spokesperson Jim Hackler.
Making the grade: USGBC is working with builders nationwide to develop a point system to “re-enforce what builders are doing right environmentally,” says Hackler. Homes will be certified as silver, gold or platinum, depending on their scores.
What will it cost? Homebuyers should be prepared to pay more for a certified home; certification fees are added to the overall home cost. The amount will vary by region: In California, Davis Energy Group certifies condos, duplexes or LEED-subdivision homes for about $1,200; custom homes cost $3,000 (up to 3,000 square feet). New England–area certification fees from Vermont Energy Investment range from $1,000 to $2,000.