Minimize a building's footprint
A smaller footprint means less impact on the site.
A sprawling one-story house takes up more of the lot than a two-story house of the same square footage. That leaves more room for plants and wildlife, and better absorption of rain and snow runoff. In addition, smaller houses use fewer materials and cost less to operate. Code and zoning restrictions, including solar access regulations, may limit building height.
Green points
LEEDLeadership 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.
-H: Up to 10 points for lowering square footage (Home Size Adjustment).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: Up to 15 points for limiting building size (601.1); up to 8 points for stacked stories (601.6).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Green Design, Ratings and Jobsites Overview
Learn more in the Green Building Primer
