LEED for Homes

USGBC LEED for Homes

E3 Building Sciences is dedicated to the promotion of the Residential “Green” Building Industry. As a USGBC LEED for Homes Provider we will bring a simple and cost-effective certification process to the market. If you are interested in “Green” Building or LEED for Homes Certification please contact us.

Why LEED for Homes “Green“

LEED for Homes is a voluntary, internationally recognized program which promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification provides third-party assurance to homebuyers that their home complies with rigorous technical requirements for energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, non-toxic materials, and environmental performance. Typical green home features include high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and windows; nontoxic paints and adhesives; recycled and renewable building materials; and drought-resistant landscaping that reduces the need for irrigation.

• LEED homes are healthier and more comfortable.
• LEED homes perform better than the average home, producing lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.

LEED certification is something that consumers can look for to identify homes that have been third-party inspected, performance-tested and certified as green homes that will perform better than conventional homes. Homebuilders using LEED are able to differentiate their homes as representative of national leadership in green building practices.

Overall, the net costs of owning a green home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home – and is sometimes even less. Green homes save money and promote environmental responsibility compared to a conventional home by:

• Using less energy – as much as 60% less
• Using less water – as much as 50% less
• Using non-toxic building materials that lower exposure to mold and mildew, reducing healthcare costs
• Reducing greenhouse gas and carbon emissions through reduced energy consumption
• Reducing solid waste through sound construction site management
• Making owners eligible for advantageous home financing options with some lenders
• Lowering home insurance premiums

The Green Wave

Residential housing units in the United States consume 22% of the nation’s energy and are responsible for 20% of its greenhouse gas emissions. The public is becoming increasingly aware of these facts, with 87% of home buyers at least moderately knowledgeable about green homes and 59% extremely knowledgeable. According to the 2007 McGraw-Hill SmartMarket Report on Attitudes & Preferences for Remodeling and Buying Green Homes, the value of the “true” green home market was $2 billion in 2005. Given forecasts of the housing market and other trends, green homes are expected to be worth $60 billion by 2010, making up 10% of the overall housing market.