LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green homes are transforming the residential market and improving our quality of life. The benefits of green homes go beyond construction and efficiency; they are part of creating healthier communities that support our environmental, social and economic wellbeing.
LEED homes are designed and constructed to provide a safe, healthy and sustainable place to live. They provide cleaner indoor air, save on energy and water, maintain their value over time, and prioritize the use of materials that promote health and enhance resilience. LEED homes deliver at least 15% in energy savings compared to homes built to code and 20% in water savings.
LEED certification is available for single-family and multifamily homes. Projects undergo a rigorous third-party verification process that includes an onsite inspection and performance testing. Certification affirms homes deliver on design plans and meet green building commitments that save energy, water and other resources. More than 1.6 million residential units are currently participating in LEED around the world.
Why We Need Green Homes
- Saves money: The average monthly electric bill in the U.S. is $117 with heating and cooling accounting for about 32% of electricity consumption. Green homes use less energy and help families lower utility bills. On average, LEED homes use 20-30% less energy and water, with some reporting up to 60% in energy savings.
- Healthier indoor environments: According to the EPA, concentrations of some pollutants are two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. LEED homes maximize indoor fresh air and prioritize strategies and materials that minimize exposure to airborne toxins and pollutants that can negatively impact human health.
- Delivering value: With proper planning, LEED homes can be built for the same or close to the same cost as non-green homes, with residents continuing to saving money thanks to energy and water reductions. Green homes can also qualify for discounted homeowners’ insurance, tax breaks and other incentives. In many markets, such as Austin and D.C., certified green homes sell quicker and for more money than comparable non-green homes.
- Reimagining affordable housing: A 2016 report showed that green-certified affordable housing in Virginia leads to developers constructing higher quality housing at a lower cost and allows low-income residents to save more energy and money. There are currently more than 86,000 LEED-certified residential units that qualify as affordable housing.
Resources
- Rating system: Get to know the certification process and credits within the rating system.
- Interactive infographic: Explore the different ways green building strategies create better homes.
- LEED in Motion report: Dive deeper into project profiles and see the countries and states leading when it comes to LEED-certified homes.
- Living Standard research: USGBC’s Living Standard research reveals consumer perspectives on green building, the environment and sustainability.
- Green Home Guide: Get the latest tips and information on how to make a home healthier and more sustainable.
- LEED Home Awards: Learn about outstanding LEED-certified single-family, multifamily and affordable housing projects.
