Nov./Dec. 2007

LEED Homes Update

Residential Green Picks Up Steam

USGBC Inaugurates LEED for Homes and REGREEN
by Daniele Loffreda, Managing Principal, Plateau Enviro Associates

The USGBC and the LEED rating system have traditionally focused on commercial building. However, over
the past few years the residential sector has captured a lot of interest. And for good reason. Many of us
are familiar with USGBC's statistics on the impact of buildings on the environment. A glance at the residential
component reveals the importance of 'green' homes:

• Buildings account for nearly 40% of total U.S. energy consumption; residential buildings
  account for nearly 55% of that total. By by 2010 residential energy use is expected to be 9%
  higher than 2007 levels
  

• The residential sector is responsible for 21% of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions

• Building occupants use 12.2% of the total water consumed in the U.S. every day, 74.4%
  of which is used for residential needs

• 43% of total building-related construction and demolotion debris is generated from residential sources

LEED for Homes Development

Unlike the commercial sector, there are many residential green building programs in
existence. In fact, there are 87 different regional and local green homes programs
throughout the U.S. This creates signficant confusion among home buyers and builders
alike. The USGBC developed the LEED for Homes program to provide a nationally
consistent, dependable benchmark that reflects the same technical rigor and consensus
based integrity inherent in the commercial LEED Rating Systems.

The USGBC collaborated with partners such as Build America, Environments for Living,
Green Communities, ENERGY STAR and the National Association of Homebuilders Built Green
organization in developing the LEED for Homes system. Following a successful Pilot Program
that begain in mid 2005, the LEED for Homes program was formally launched at Greenbuild 2007.

Program and Rating System

The LEED for Homes rating system currently applies to new construction and 'gut rehab' (defined as at least one wall stripped to the studs) projects.
Home types include single family and multi-family (up to three stories), custom and production. Price ranges include luxury, market and affordable.

While the LEED for Homes system bears some resemblance to the LEED commercial programs, there are considerable
differences. For starters, the market delivery mechanism is based upon the highly succesful ENERGY STAR for Homes
program. A LEED for Homes Provider manages all aspects of the certification process in a local area. The Provider
works with the design/build team and home energy raters through application, preliminary rating and final certification.

The LEED for Homes rating system includes familiar categories such as Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency,
Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. The inherent relationship between
residential buildings and neighborhoods prompted the inclusion of some LEED for Neighborhood Development
credits. Recognizing the importance of incorporating sustainable design features early in the design process, the
Integrated Design Process credit was developed to require builders to participate in an orientation and encourage them
to include the entire design and construction team in regular project meetings.

The home size adjuster category is unique to the LEED for Homes rating system. The Home Size Adjustment compensates
for the effect of home size on resource consumption by adjusting the award level point thresholds (for certified, silver, gold, and platinum) based on home
size. All things being otherwise equal, a large home consumes more materials and energy than a small home over its lifecycle. The adjustment compensates for these impacts by making it easier or harder to reach each LEED for Homes certification.

Existing Home Green Renovation

The LEED for Homes program focuses on new construction and 'gut rehab'. Recognizing that the existing home market
vastly outnumbers the new construction market, the USGBC and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
partnered to create REGREEN, the first nationwide guidelines for existing homes. While not a certification standard,
REGREEN provides comprehensive, 'whole house guidelines, that tie together the best-practices of green design and
construction. REGREEN aims to help interior designers, architects, engineers, builders and trade contractors to better
collaborate on green renovation projects. The REGREEN guidelines recently completed a public comment period.
Responses from green design/build professionals will be incorporated into the guidelines, and the final document
should be released shortly. For more information visit www.regreenprogram.org

Upcoming Workshops and Educational Sessions

The USGBC and the Colorado Chapter will be providing a number of technical workshops and educational sessions
throughout 2008. As the USGBC's designated Green Residential Building Advocate, I will be rolling out a number
of informational and promotional programs - beginning with a LEED for Homes Overview webinar in late January
and an all day Technical Workshop in March. If you would like to participate in either or both of these events, please
email me at dgloffreda@msn.com

Resources

For more information on green homes and the LEED for Homes program, visit the USGBC's new green homes web site -
The Green Home Guide: www.thegreenhomeguide.org

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CBG / NovDec 2007 / Page 1