Key Points:
- Green buildings are now in trend for a better sustainable environment.
- LEED certification is very beneficial to make your home greener.
- It has different types ranging from basic to platinum.
Introduction
For the past couple of years, everything’s moving towards only one concept, and that is sustainability. From clothes to buildings, everything’s adapting to this concept. If we particularly discuss the buildings, especially the residential ones, they are getting a lot under the spotlight. People never imagined that a building could be eco-friendly, but technology has made it possible.
Similarly, if you research in depth about this topic, you’ll come to know about a term called LEED certification. You may have heard of this for the first time or even before as well. Now, you may start to question yourself about what this is all about. Don’t overthink because we are going to give this answer in detail via this blog. We’ll be talking about everything related, including the LEED certification advantages. This way, you’ll be free of relevant doubts and confusion.
What is LEED Certification?
First, we have to learn what this is all about. It is abbreviated as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This is an international rating of buildings that want to maintain green building standards.
If you want to know in simple words, a building or home that saves energy, water, and uses safe materials, and provides a healthy environment, can receive a LEED certificate.
We can call it a certification that a building is eco-friendly. And many people think that they can only be for big business towers or corporate offices. But no, LEED certification for homes is also becoming popular now, and people want it. It has become a trend.
LEED Certification for Homes: How Does it Work?
The real question now is, how can a home be certified LEED? And, the process is not scary or messy. It is simple if you just follow the necessary steps. The following are things that are checked during certification:
- Use of electricity in your home.
- How much water can you save?
- Materials used during the construction.
- Air quality.
And if your home fits the requirements, it will be certified.
Types of LEED Certification
It will be an interesting point to know that LEED certification comes in different levels. Each level defines how well your home meets the green standards. The more points you earn, your home gets higher.
1. Basic Level
This is a very basic starting point that means your home meets basic green standards like saving some energy, water, and better air quality inside. It is enough if you’re just beginning with this idea.
2. LEED Silver
LEED Silver is a step higher. Your home becomes more efficient in conserving water and electricity, and overall comfort increases. Most homeowners want to reach this level at least.
3. LEED Gold
This is about serious performance. A gold LEED-certified home provides good efficiency in energy saving and better air quality. These homes usually have advanced systems that reduce waste and increase comfort level.
4. LEED Platinum
LEED Platinum is the best you can get. This one involves very little energy and saves maximum water and electricity. It is extremely efficient. LEED Platinum-certified homes have the desired benefits.
The Big LEED Certification Advantages
Now let’s talk about the main part, LEED certified home benefits, and why people choose LEED homes in the first place.
- Better Energy Savings
This one is enough to grab people’s attention. A LEED home uses energy in a smarter way. It has better lighting, insulation, and a system that cuts the extra usage of electricity. And as a result, it will cost you fewer bills each month.
And the best part is that you don’t have to do anything special. You just live your normal life, and saving happens on their own in a LEED certified home.
- Healthier Indoor Air
Most of us ignore the air quality inside our houses. But honestly speaking, indoor air quality can be more alarming in comparison to outdoor air quality. A LEED home focuses a lot on clean, healthy air. It involves improved ventilation, harmless paints, and substances that do not release any harmful chemicals.
That means you are inhaling clean air on a daily basis. This one is loved by people a lot.
- Better Water Efficiency
Water is becoming a very serious issue everywhere. In LEED homes use of water is wisely done. They include simple things like not wasting water, efficient collection of rainwater, etc. It can be a healthy and good change to the world.
- Higher Property Value
LEED-certified homes usually have higher resale value than normal homes. Modern and sustainable features are one of the aspects mostly buyers are looking for.
Consider a person looking at two similar houses, one saves on your bills and gives you a healthier environment, but the other is just a normal one. Which one will he choose? Of course, LEED one. You are just investing in your future.
- Supports the Environment
We cannot ignore environmental factors. A LEED home minimizes pollution causes, conserves energy resources. It can truly help, whether you are interested in the planet or not, or whether you just feel like doing something useful.
Are LEED Homes Worth It?
So a big question is, is all this worth it? If we have to explain the answer in one word, it’s Yes. Because this will help you to have low energy bills, a better environment, and you’ll be able to get better property value in the future. People do overlook the importance of sustainability, but when you witness the perks where you can have comfort with the savings, it’s enough to grab your attention. We know that the process isn’t that simple, but once you start, everything will fall into place.
Final Thoughts
This certificate is undoubtedly of great importance for having a sustainable home. It comes in different types. Platinum One is the most advanced one, and the basic level is for novices. There are many LEED certification advantages, including saving on bills, increasing property value, better water efficiency, and much more for you and your home.
Now, it’s time to talk about where to find a professional construction company that’ll help you get this certification for your home. Don’t look around when you have Tarzia Group on the list. We’re LEED certified with many certifications, including LEED AP BD+C, LEED for Homes, and more.
Since 1988, we have been delivering quality services in custom home building, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling and renovations, and construction of commercial buildings in a professional manner. To learn more about our services, contact us now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to become a LEED Green Building?
It’s the certification of LEED that buildings have to get from the relevant department to become more environmentally friendly and efficient.
What are the Seven Factors of a Green Building?
Seven components of a green building:
- Sustainable site development
- Water efficiency
- Energy efficiency
- Selection of materials
- Quality of the indoor environment
- Innovative designs
- Less impact on the environment
Can you explain the 5 C’s of sustainability?
These are:
- Clean
- Care
- Community
- Culture
- Corporate governance
