Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

In 1998 the U.S. Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program which has evolved into the authority for establishing green building requirements for new construction and older homes, and for certifying new homes. In so doing, LEED drives the regulations to ensure that new construction is healthy and durable for both the occupants and environment.

There are a number of states, towns, and cities that have adopted these green techniques in their building codes, including Pasadena, CA, and New York City. Though directly applicable to schools, retail buildings, and commercial interiors, the focus of this article on standards for homes. The points to be made assume either new home construction or gut renovation, but many will be directly applicable to existing homes, particularly in the area of landscaping, water, energy conservation and indoor air quality.

Location – Sustainability – Efficiency

Specifications with respect to location of neighborhood development projects are being piloted. Many of the

 requirements being contemplated are linked to environmental laws already in place, namely:

• Avoid building on wetlands or farmlands.
• Build within existing communities.
• Build within a half mile of existing water and sewage.
• Position homes near conveniences such as supermarkets and public transportation,
• Establish site within a half-mile of a community-based open space

Sustainability deals with the ecosystem, particularly with respect to the more cosmetic aspects of landscaping and the environment as a whole. Like location, some of the aspirations may be difficult to implement after the fact including:

• Keep the land as close to its original state as possible.
• Use mulch and other native plants to minimize the requirements for water.
• Eliminate hot spots by planting native trees and shrubs, shading patios, sidewalks and driveways.
• Preclude erosion and runoff by installing open pavers, retaining walls and rainwater cisterns.
• Cut down on the use of chemicals in eliminating pests by planting shrubs and trees at least 2 feet from the house.
• Increase the density of housing units, thus conserving land.

There are also a number of inexpensive and fairly easy to do steps that will improve water efficiency:

• Use rainwater for landscape irrigation.
• Install sensor controls within any irrigation system to reduce evaporation and prevent over-watering.
• Install high efficiency fixtures in the showers, faucets, and toilets to conserve water usage.

Promote Energy Efficiency

Saving energy and related costs remains a top priority within LEED. EnergyStar appliances and compact fluorescent

 light bulbs stand out as the more common ways to capture these potential savings, but big differences are possible applying some rather simple concepts:

• Complete the requirements for an EnergyStar home via a third party inspection.
• Ensure in installing insulation that there are few gaps or holes (i.e. Grade II specifications).
• Seal the outer shell of the home (walls, windows and doors), thereby reducing heat and cooling loss.
• Block out the summer heat and UV rays by installing EnergyStar labeled windows and solar window screens.
• Eliminate duct leaks by insulating them and ensuring they fit properly.
• Ensure the installed HVAC system meets the requirements of EnergyStar and install a programmable thermostat to avoid over use of this system.
• Install an energy efficient water system.
• Use motion sensors for outdoor lighting in conjunction with EnergyStar labeled fixtures and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Upgrade appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, and ceiling fans to EnergyStar standards, requiring 10 to 50 percent less energy than conventional models.
• Take advantage of various improvements in technology and tax incentives to install renewable electric generation systems.
• Use non-chlorofluorocarbons in the installed HVAC equipment, thus easing some of the environmental concerns regarding ozone depletion.

Recycled Materials and Resources

There are a number of measures one can take to reduce the environmental impact of materials and resources:

• Modular framing and materials can save significantly on the depletion of lumber.
• Synthetic materials like linoleum flooring and composite decking and salvaged, reused wood are preferable alternatives to tropical rain forest wood products.
• Other renewable resources like bamboo, jute and recycled carpet will assist in preserving the environment.
• Seek out materials manufactured locally to cut down on transportation – less pollution and lower use of fuel.
• Recycle wood, drywall and cardboard and reduce job site waste.

Eliminate Indoor Air Pollution

Improve the ventilation, temperature, and humidity levels to minimize exposure to long-term health issues:

• Prevent mold and airborne pollutants by using a moisture-control HVAC system.
• Use fireplaces and stoves to remove toxic gases and install carbon monoxide detectors as appropriate.
• Control the humidity by using a humidifier in dry climates and a dehumidifier in wet climates.
• Ventilate indoor air with outdoor air either with an outdoor air system or by simply opening windows.
• Reduce pollutants and moisture in the kitchen and bathrooms with exhaust fans.
• Ensure the air duct system is designed to distribute air flow evenly throughout the home.
• Purify the air with the installation of air purifiers.
• Install a radon detector and seal the foundation of the home to ensure a healthy environment.
• Seal the attached garage by painting the walls and installing weather stripping around the doors.