Green Construction for LEED Certification
Sustainable Home Building Rating is Standardized by the USGBC
LEED addresses both commercial and residential construction. The residential arm is LEED-H, where the 'H' stands for Home. Certification is graded on a 136-point system. The four levels are Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This article explains how the points are awarded.
The Importance of a Green Building Checklist
Green and sustainable home building are the current buzzwords being tossed about by building contractors, architects, interior designers, and real estate agents. The problem is that it's such a new and evolving concept that many consumers don't know how to distinguish between something that's been “greenwashed” and the real McCoy.
This is why LEED has been proactive in decreeing that the rating is only done by a disinterested third party. The USGBC rolled out a pilot plan for testing and adopted the final standards in December, 2007.
The certification and documentation process begins with material selection before ground is broken. It continues throughout construction and outfitting the home with low-VOC building material and Energy Star appliances.
An Overview of the Certification Levels
As mentioned above, LEED-H is graded on a 136-point system. This is the standard for an average size home and is adjusted downward for smaller homes and upward for larger ones. For an average size home, these are the levels:
- Certified – 45 points.
- Silver – 60 points.
- Gold – 75 points.
- Platinum – 90 points.
How Green Certification Points are Awarded
Points are awarded based on distinct categories:
- Innovation and Design (11 points) – This is where the architect aligns the home on the lot to maximize design for solar water heaters and photovoltaic solar panels. The durability of the home is nailed down in this phase.
- Location and Linkages (10 points) – The home's site is selected for environmental responsibility and access to public transportation and shopping, etc.
- Sustainable Sites (22 points) – The site is also considered with respect to minimize the impact the home has on the immediate environment.
- Water Efficiency (15 points) – Water conservation is built into the plan at this point. This includes interior usage (low-flow toilets and shower heads, etc.), and exterior (landscaping, etc.).
- Energy and Atmosphere (38 points) – To minimize utility consumption, plans are made for a tight envelope, efficient insulation, and the home's cooling and heating system.
- Resources and Materials (16 points) – The goal is to reduce wasted construction material and insure that the use of green material is maximized. This might well involve using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).
- Indoor Environmental Quality (21 points) – The type of appliances that are installed and how they are vented to the atmosphere is planned in this category. The use of Energy Star refrigerators, water heaters, dishwashers, etc. is the key to scoring high here.
- Awareness and Education (3 points) – There's not many points to be had here, but it's an important category. The homeowner should be furnished with a user's manual. This ensures that the new occupants can operate and maintain the home efficiently.
The Future of Sustainable Building
Does it end here? That's doubtful. Rising energy costs and environmental social pressures will continue to foster innovation in both the construction industry and in the alternative energy arena.
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