|
THE RESPONSE>> While some proponents of the program
have feared that cost and stringency might limit
participation, the interest has been overwhelming.
As of the end of April 2006,99 builders
from around the country were enrolled in the pilot,
representing an estimated 447 separate housing
units. Steven Winter Associates Inc. is one of
several LEED-H Providers operating beneath the
umbrella of Vermont Energy Investment Corp. in the
northeastern states. SWA’s eight enrolled
participants represent the colorful cross-section of
pilot participants:
Log homes, market rate
production homes, custom homes, homes made of
structural insulated panels and affordable
multifamily homes are all going green.
The innovative aspect of a nationwide green building
program is its flexibility to cover a broad range of
construction types. Builders and designers operating
in high-density urban settings like New York City
can earn points because of their proximity to
community resources and public transit (Location and
Linkages credits); market-rate industry
professionals in more suburban environments can take
advantage of opportunities to earn credits through
responsible landscaping elements (Sustainable Sites
credits); and custom home builders can achieve
points for including high-performance building
systems and equipment (Energy and Atmosphere
credits) and environmentally preferable products and
finishes (Materials and Resources credits).
So what does it all mean? Building a residence to
LEED for Homes standards requires professionals to
raise the bar. Initial response to the pilot shows
that the added effort has not deterred motivated
professionals from pursuing green certification. In
its role as a LEED for Homes Provider, SWA has been
approached by designers, developers, homeowners and
builders alike, proving that LEED for Homes appeals
to all sectors of the home building industry.
Participants see certification as a way to
distinguish themselves in a professional environment
increasingly obsessed with green. At the pilot’s
conclusion, the information gathered will be used to
further refine and strengthen the program. The
anticipated end result will be a label any homeowner
will be proud to display.
Green housing concepts have long been at the
forefront of a select group of designers and
builders, but the topic is just emerging in the
broader public consciousness. If recent features in
The New York Times and Time Magazine
can serve as a barometer, then healthy,
energy-efficient, environmentally responsible
housing has finally entered the mainstream. To
predict the future of green housing trends, consider
the success of Energy Star-labeled homes and
products. In parts of the country including the
rapidly expanding Southern housing markets, Energy
Star has nearly become the norm for competitive
homebuilders at all price points. The trajectory of
certified green homes is likely to follow suit,
becoming more and more widespread as the knowledge
base of design and building professionals broadens,
complemented by the increased availability of
affordable high-quality green building products.
During the past 10 years, green building
certification programs increased in number from zero
to more than 70. Ten years from today, principles of
sustainable housing design and construction may be
so universal as to become invisible.
LEED for Homes Providers will continue to accept
LEED for Homes builder applications throughout the
pilot. To smoothly transition from pilot to full
rollout, homes registered beneath the pilot system
but completed after rollout can be certified under
either version of the rating system. Professionals
interested in learning more about LEED for Homes can
access the pilot checklist and rating system on the
USGBC web site. Also posted on the site is the list
of providers who are happy to provide more in-depth
information on LEED for Homes requirements and pilot
registration.
Call, visit our
website
www.altaloghomes.com, or drop by our showroom
and factory for more information and updates on the
pilot program.
|
