Earlier this week, we discussed what LEED certification means for homes. As promised, today we’re going to tell you a little bit about the LEED certification points system, as well as the levels of certification for homes. Let’s get started with the points system.
The LEED for Homes rating system is a set of industry best practices that help guide builders in constructing better homes. There are 35 topic areas with a unique intent or goal for each. Under the requirements section of each topic area, very specific measures are identified that should be incorporated into the home. Those measures include good practices, better practices, and best practices. Good practices are the prerequisites that need to be met, which are considered a mandatory measure. Better practices are typically worth one point, and best practices are worth two points.
Prerequisites must be met during the design of construction phase and include 18 prerequisites. The 67 credits in the rating system are purely optional measures, but a minimum number of points must be earned in some of the credit categories. Once the prerequisites are met, the home can proceed with being rated on better and best practices.
We built the Timber Trails residence, shown above, to meet LEED sustainable standards.
Based on the number of points a home earns in terms of better and best practices, it can then be certified into one of four levels – Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Certified homes are those that receive between 45 and 59 points out of the total 136 points available. A Silver home must receive 60-74 points, and a Gold home must receive between 75 and 89 points. Platinum home are the highest level of LEED certification, earning between 90 and 136 points.
We hope this information has given you a better understanding of the LEED for Homes certification process. Here at Trilogy Partners, we strive to meet LEED sustainable standards with every build. You can find more information on the LEED for Homes certification process on the U.S. Green Building Council website.
Image Courtesy of Trilogy Partners
