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LEED for Homes is a green building rating system designed to encourage and reward the design and construction of residential projects – large or small, single- or multifamily – that incorporate a range of green features. LEED Homes must include a number of “prerequisites,” features that must be included for a home to represent leadership practices.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a program of the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED for Homes projects are rated in the categories listed below and incorporate the mandatory features shown for each. Projects must also incorporate a number of optional measures in order to earn certification.
There are four rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each higher level requires earning 15 additional points, starting at 45 points for a home of average size. Smaller homes require fewer points, larger ones must earn more.
Innovation and Design Process (ID)
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
For more information:
Download the LEED for Homes Rating System
Find out how your project scores in the LEED for Homes Scoring Tool
Innovation and Design Process prerequisites:
ID1.1 Preliminary Rating
ID2.1 Durability Planning
ID2.2 Durability Management
There are no prerequisites in the LL category. Points are earned for projects that are located near transit, community services, existing utilities, etc.
Sustainable Sites prerequisites:
SS1.1 Erosion Controls During Construction
SS2.1 No Invasive Plants
There are no WE prerequisites, but at least 3 points must be earned in this category. Points are earned for efficient landscape irrigation, water reuse strategies, and water-efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings.
Energy & Atmosphere prerequisites:
EA1.1 Performance of Energy Star for Homes
EA11.1 Refrigerant Charge Test
Materials & Resources prerequisites:
MR1.1 Framing Order Waste Factor Limit
MR2.1 FSC-certified Tropical Wood
MR3.1 Construction Waste Management Planning
Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisites:
EQ2.1 Basic Combustion Venting Measures
EQ4.1 Basic Outdoor Air Ventilation
EQ5.1 Basic Local Exhaust
EQ6.1 Room-by-room Load Calculation
EQ7.1 Good Filters
EQ9.1 Radon-resistant Construction in High Radon Risk Areas
EQ10.1 No HVAC in Garage
Awareness & Education prerequisites:
AE1.1 Basic Operations Training and Manual