Home » Green Basics: Encyclopedia » Design, Planning, and Building Science » Green Rating Systems

LEED for Homes

USGBC's Residential Green Building Program is Born

Read the full article by subscribing to GBA Pro for valuable how-to information and insights about
LEED for Homes, including:

  • Design and build strategies
  • Necessary codes
  • Application how-tos
  • Using materials

Will Rival Green Rating Programs Merge?

Brendan Owen, the vice president of LEED technical development at USGBCUnited States Green Building Council (USGBC). Organization devoted to promoting and certifying green buildings. USGBC created the LEED rating systems., sees no urgent need for harmonization between LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. and similar programs. “I think that what NAHBNational Association of Home Builders, which awards a Model Green Home Certification. has done and what LEED for Homes does are two different things,” said Owen. “We try to create rating systems that are leadership standards. We are working to create..."

A “Good, Better, Even Better, Best” Approach to Scoring Houses

LEED for Homes sets baseline requirements for homes to be green, and then awards extra credit for going above and beyond the call. Above basic certification, you can earn Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

ABOUT LEED FOR HOMES

LEED for Homes is the residential version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED for Homes was released in February 2008 after two years in pilot status. By January 2009, LEED for Homes had certified 1,304 houses, with another 13,836 registered for certification.

The program is on a two-year cycle for revisions, so the next planned modifications will take place in 2010. The U.S. Green Building Council says it is too soon to say whether...

Green Basics Index

Related Topics in the Green Building Encyclopedia

Green Rating Systems
Main topic areas:
Tags: , , , , ,