LEED for Homes

The LEED for Homes rating system gives homeowners the opportunity for healthy and efficient living. The rating system enables property owners of single-family or multi-unit homes to provide a great living environment for their tenants.

As with other LEED rating systems, the third-party certification required by the LEED for Homes rating system verifies that the home meets the high standards of the USGBC and gives the owner assurance of a sensible and sustainable investment.

The many benefits of a LEED-rated home to the occupant include:

  • Low energy and water bills (30 – 60% better efficiency)
  • Low greenhouse gas emissions
  • Low exposure to mold, mildew and other toxins
  • Durability
  • Net cost is comparable to a conventionally built home

 

REGREEN

REGREEN guidelines are a set of resources and tools for green home remodeling projects. These remodeling guidelines were developed by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for homeowners and professionals to follow. Unlike other USGBC rating programs, a home remodeled under REGREEN is not certified.

A home remodel following REGREEN guidelines give the homeowner assurance that healthy and sustainable products and practices are used, resulting in a healthy living environment and an environmentally friendly home.

Benefits of green remodeling include:

  • Healthy living environment
  • Excellent air quality
  • Low operating costs
  • Low impact of the home on the environment

 

There are several LEED-certified homes in West Michigan and many more being built. In the coming months we will be providing examples of many of these homes giving you the ability to make informed decisions based on real-life examples.


What Can You Do to Get Involved and Learn More?

Our LEED for Homes circle group is open to national and chapter members. We have speakers at our meetings who review case studies of current and certified projects. We are also in the process of studying each credit. We warmly welcome guests who want to learn more about green building and the chapter. Our meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month. The location varies so be sure to check the chapter calender for times, locations and updates! 

Finding a Green Home Program That's Right for You

For a checklist comparing various Green Home Programs and a FAQs sheet on Green Home Programs, click here.

Next Meeting: Meetings are returning to the second Wednesday of the month and we will be meeting a little later.

Visit our Calendar of Events

Upcoming meeting agenda, please click here.

Minutes From Our Latest Meetings:

Other News: Legislators tour Habitat's 'green' LEED Homes

We're on Facebook! Connect with us and become a fan! You can also view great pictures of LEED-certified Homes in Michigan!

MEETING DAY CHANGE!! 

Please note your calendar. Standard meeting date is now the 2nd Tuesday of the month 9 am – 10:30 am. Standard meeting place will remain at MTEC. Anyone who would like to host a meeting at another facility please let me know. However, please make note that several of our meetings over the next few months are planned to be off-site. The following is the schedule for the next few months.

April 12 – MTEC

May 13 – Work Bee at LogHaus EcoCenter to make bird houses to use as fundraiser for LEED for Homes/USGBC Chapter

May 14 – Meeting held in conjunction with LogHaus EcoCenter Open House ~ kick off sale of bird houses

June 14 – LEED for Homes Volunteer Day for Kent County Habitat for Humanity.

July 12 – Proposed trip to Stanwood to see net zero home designed by Eric Hughes. Eric is verifying with homeowner that the day will work. Following the home tour we will travel to McBain, Michigan to visit the Stoney Corners Wind Project then to Cadillac for lunch. We may be able to get a van for 9 passengers and will be looking for other drivers if more than 9 people plan to attend. I will be creating a ride share board to serve as place for information for drivers and riders.

August 9 – MTEC

September – date to be announced ~ the chapter will be having the second Green Buildings of West Michigan Tour. Stay tuned for more information and your chance to volunteer to help out with this great event! This will serve as our September meeting.

For more information, contact Chris Hall or Mary Bigelow, LEED for Homes Circle Group Facilitators.

Mission: To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, in a way that improves the quality of life in West Michigan.