The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally recognized benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.  There are LEED standards for new construction and existing building maintenance, commercial interiors and schools, retail spaces and healthcare facilities and  - you guessed it - for your home.

One of the best examples of LEED Certification is the National Resources Defense Council's (NRDC) office in Santa Monica, CA.  It has a LEED Platinum Certification - the best certification available.   They aren't shy about it, either.  The NRDC building lobby provides visitors with interactive information about issues such as global warming and ocean protection.  They give free office tours and have a virtual walkthrough, too.  Ever wanted to see what the magician had up his sleeve?  The NRDC is willing to show all.
 
And frankly, a lot of it seems like magic.  The sun provides about 20% of the building's energy.  Motion sensors control the lights, window sensors turn off the heat or A/C when a window is opened, and CO2 sensors in the conference room let people know when they need a breath of fresh air.  Even wastewater from the showers and sinks is treated in the basement and reused for landscaping and toilets.
 
It's not all magic, though.   It's green common sense, too.  Energy costs are kept down by using high-efficiency lighting (CFL's and LED's), dimmer switches, ceiling fans and tankless water heaters.  Much of the furniture is recycled (like chairs made from seatbelts) or made with wood from sustainably managed forests.  The office design provides lots of natural light and the interior paint is low-VOC, reducing headaches and allergies.  Countertops are made from paper composite laminate, the carpet is a wool/recycled-plastic blend and the linoleum is actually linoleum.  (Fun fact:  Real linoleum is made from linseed oil extracted from flax plants.  Unlike its PVC counterpart, it is a rapidly renewable resource and is not toxic to make, use or dispose of).  Even the office's location is green.  It's close to public transportation and has bike racks and showers to encourage pedaling to work.
 
Through careful planning and intelligent design, the NRDC building uses 60-70% less energy and 60% less water than a similar-sized traditional office building.  It has virtually no carbon footprint and provides a healthy, productive environment to work in.
 
So here's the really good news:  What the NRDC did for their office can also be done in your home.  The LEED Home Rating System evaluates the following components of a home's design and construction:

1-    Innovation and Design Process: Are your architects, builders and engineers experienced in sustainable design and responsible land use?  Does your home have green features that go above and beyond LEED standards?
2-    Location and Linkages:  Is your home in a previously developed area?  Is it near existing water and sewer lines, community resources and public transportation?  Did you build above the floodplain or near open spaces?
3-    Sustainable Sites:  Has the property been used to minimize its impact on the site?  Does your landscaping use native plants and manage surface-water?  Do you use non-toxic pest control?
4-    Water Efficiency:  Do you have responsible indoor and outdoor water practices?
5-    Energy & Atmosphere:  Is your home well insulated?  Do you have energy efficient appliances, lighting, HVAC and water heating?
6-    Materials & Resources:  Did you minimize waste during construction and use recycled or sustainably managed construction materials?
7-    Indoor Environmental Quality:  What steps have been taken to reduce indoor pollutants and improve indoor air quality?
8-    Awareness & Education:  Has the homeowner been educated about the operation and purpose of the home's green features?

Points are assigned to each category with a total possible score of 136.  The more points you earn, the higher your ranking.   A Certified ranking is achieved with a score of 45-59, while Platinum ranking is achieved with a score of 90-136.

A LEED Certified home provides a healthier environment for you and your family.  It creates less waste, conserves energy and water and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.  Also, the net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home due to increased asset value, lower operating costs and tax incentives.  The Tax Incentives Assistance Program (TIAP) will help you maximize the tax benefit of a greener home.

If you want to be an environmental LEED-er in your community, visit LEED for Homes.  You'll find in-depth information about the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Certification and the steps you can take to get started.