LEED Certification & Luxury Homes
The construction of environmentally-friendly homes has become a noteworthy trend in the luxury home market. Many builders are incorporating solar power, geo-thermal heating, touch technology and renewable materials to meet rising demand for sustainable properties. A global standard for green building managed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification provides various accreditation levels to design homes that use resources efficiently and promote environmental responsibility. Whether you’re constructing a custom home in Atherton or updating your Eichler in Sunnyvale, you can incorporate LEED certification standards to heighten your home’s efficiency and sustainability while enhancing your family’s health and wellbeing.
Initially a certification standard for new construction, LEED has evolved to become a ‘comprehensive system of interrelated standards covering aspects from design and construction to maintenance and operation.’ Inclusion of green building in the LEED program To date, there are over 80,000 registered and LEED-certified projects around the world, equating to close to 14 billion square feet. California currently ranks 7th on the 2015 Top 10 States for LEED.
In many areas, including the Silicon Valley, green homes are in high demand among homebuyers. The total number of LEED-certified homes on the market in the United States rose 9.7% in 2014-2015. New homes that incorporate environmentally-friendly features have risen 19% over the past year, spurred by government incentives as well as peaked interest among luxury home buyers.
The benchmark in green building, LEED accreditation is adaptable and pertains to all types of projects, both residential and commercial. Whatever the lifecycle of your home, be it a historic Victorian or a modern residence still in the design phase, there is a LEED process that can be applied, allowing you to incorporate sustainable materials, maximize energy and resource efficiency, and meet a set standard of green building. Based on the number of points achieved, your home will receive one of four LEED rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
In addition to commercial building and interior design, construction, operation and maintenance, LEED can be applied to residential neighborhood developments and homes.
The goal of the Neighborhood Development certification is to create sustainable, better-connected neighborhoods and communities. It applies to both new and redevelopment projects that contain residential, nonresidential and mixed use in any stage of the project process.
The LEED certification for Home Design & Construction creates single family and multi-family dwellings up to 8 stories that use less energy and water, provide a healthier living space by meeting clean air requirements and using safe building materials.
LEED certification fees are determined by a project’s size and scope as well as the specific LEED rating system chosen. If you’re interested in learning more about how to pursue LEED certification for your new or existing residence, visit the US Green Building Council.
Are you in the market to purchase a LEED certified, green home in the Silicon Valley? Contact The Dawn Thomas Team to discover how we can help. Or, if you’re considering putting your home on the market, our No Hassle Guide is filled with advice and valuable information to make the process stress-free.
