If you want to get your home LEED green certified as eco-friendly, there are a few things you need to do. Also, this is true if you are looking to build a green home. Consequently, you may want to look into the “LEED” certification process. The acronym stands for: “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.” And as the name suggests, approving your home will designate it as such.
Getting Your Home LEED Green Certified
To become LEED certified, you have to go through someone who is qualified and trained in LEED certification. Therefore, you will need a “Green Rater.” As a result, your home will be rated on specific factors. Almost all of the factors are related in one way or another. Because of this, getting your home LEED green certified will include factors like:
- current energy savings
- water efficiency
- carbon emissions levels
- landfill waste levels
- other relevant factors
LEED Point System
So how does it work? The “Green Rater” rates your home, generating a score. Consequently, your score will fall into on of the range below. The higher the score, the more green your home is. Scores allow for tax breaks or credits. Check with your state to see exactly how much you stand to gain from a top notch LEED score.
90 to 136 points: Platinum certification
75 to 89 points: Gold certification
60 to 74 points: Silver certification
45 to 59 points simply certified
Source: U.S. Green Building Council
LEED Rating Systems
There are two different versions of the LEED for Homes rating system available for projects to certify under. They are v2008 and v4.
For residential projects, v2008 will still be vital. While many of the new changes for v4 are in regards to technical stringency, v2008 focuses on residential structure. Therefore, LEED v4 changes involve:
- data centers
- warehouses & distribution centers
- hotels/motels
- existing schools
- existing retail
- mid-rise residential
So unless you are looking to revamp commercial property, your Green Rater will probably use v2008. In fact, that’s the best way. Rather than look up rules and regulations yourself, contract a professional for the job. Since they do this every day, it is easy for them to walk you through the process.
Popular Ways to Create A Sustainable Home
Yet, if you are still not sure where to start in order to create your sustainable home, we can help. Seems like one way to gain LEED points is with an artificial lawn. Since our Arizona desert climate can be brutal, they are an extremely popular option. In addition, they are equally popular in California.
Finally, when searching for eco-friendly artificial turf, make sure it is recyclable. Also, look for USA made products. Because getting your home LEED green certified is arduous, every little bit helps.
