Today there are plenty of resources to help you transition to a greener way of living.  From the seemingly endless variety of emerging eco-friendly products and services available, people are reducing the environmental impact of their home. But how about building a home from scratch? What the walls and floors in your home cover up also has an impact. While green building is still a growing field, these pioneers are going to set the pace for the future of responsible home construction and design. The US Green Building Council established the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program to push this effort. The organization takes on all sizes of projects, from residential to large commercial properties. After a number of years refining the program, 11,390 homes have registered for LEED for Homes, the USGBC's program for residential units.^­­1

The USGBC developed a point system for buildings that rates them in the order of certified, silver, gold and ultimately, platinum level. Since homes vary in size, the rating system is adjusted for each project. If LEED certification is your goal, take some time to find the right people to hire for the project. There are many companies out there that specialize in green building, architecture, and design, so they will have the necessary knowledge of materials and techniques to complete your LEED certified home. Architects, designers and other consultants working to build a home have to decide on what level they want to achieve upon completion. The goal that is set depends on various aspects from location to budget to the personal wishes of the residents. On the USGBC's website, there are important resources to help you decide on a goal. After this has been established, the building process can begin and finally, a rating will be assigned to the completed residence. The following list can help you stay focused on the crucial elements of green building:

The eight categories of the LEED for Homes Rating System²:

1.      Innovation and design process

2.      Location and linkages (location of home in relation to the larger community)

3.      Sustainable sites (minimize impact to project site)

4.      Water efficiency

5.      Energy and atmosphere

6.      Materials and resources

7.      Indoor environmental quality (low exposure to pollutants)

8.      Awareness and education (of homeowner, tenant, building manager, etc.)

           
Recently, the USGBC established twelve LEED for Homes Providers - hubs for LEED certification and inspection - which are spread out over the country. These pilot sites manage LEED projects in the region and provide marketing for future building. Through a LEED for Homes Provider, you can find a Green Rater, or consultant, to oversee the construction process and assess the completed residence. The Green Rater will then determine if you qualify for a certified, silver, gold or platinum rating.
 
You might be thinking about the cost of becoming LEED certified. Instead, try thinking about the investment you are making for your family and for your future. The USGBC claims that the net cost of owning a LEED home is about the same as owning a standard home. However, if you live in a LEED home, you will have lower utility bills, experience less exposure to harmful toxins and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When it is time to sell your home, you can advertise your LEED status, which will certainly draw attention and potentially raise its value. Aside from financial reasons for owning a LEED home, you can feel good about supporting an effort that could eventually become the new standard of living.

¹ "Green Building, USGBC and LEED." The U.S. Green Building Council. February 2008.
    <https://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1991>.
² "LEED For Homes Rating System." U.S. Green Building Council. January 2008.                                                                         <http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3638>.