Green Homes Web Site Launched
On Nov. 13, the U.S. Green
Building Council (USGBC) announced the launch of a new Web site that
will give homeowners, homebuyers, renters, landlords and others the
tools they need to ensure their homes are as healthy and
environmentally friendly as possible.
"As Americans learn more about the importance of their actions on
the health of their families and future generations, living a greener
life becomes more vital," said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president and CEO.
"Where better to start than in the home?"
The Green Home Guide, http://www.greenhomeguide.org,
details the ways green homes can benefit people's health and
pocketbooks, as well as reduce negative impacts on the community and
the world. Green homes use, on average, 40 percent less energy and 50
percent less water than conventional homes, according to the USGBC.
Green homes also make use of safe materials, such as paints and
cleaning products that don't emit harmful chemicals into the air. They
are built with a focus on carefully selected materials -- materials
that are recycled, locally produced and created from sustainably grown,
renewable resources.
The Green Home Guide was developed by USGBC with the support of
Newland Communities, a planned community developer. "Our alliance with
USGBC is a perfect fit for us," said LaDonna Monsees, president and
CEO, Newland Communities. "We are attempting to incorporate
sustainability into everything we do and educating consumers is a top
priority. If consumers are educated and have access to all of the
information they need, they will be able to make smart, healthy and
sustainable decisions."
The newly launched Web site illustrates how families have gone green
with profiles of homes that have been certified under the USGBC's
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) for Homes rating
system. It offers details on the LEED for Homes system, including help
in finding LEED builders and providers nearby. It includes checklists
not only for new homes but also for renovating an existing home and
retrofitting the home you live in now.
Increasingly, green homes are becoming a key part of the U.S.
homebuilding market. They are present in all 50 states, according to
the USGBC. Of the 15 million homes that have been built in the last 10
years, USGBC estimates that only about 15,000 of those homes are
certified through a green home program. There are currently 350
LEED-certified homes and more than 10,000 in the LEED process.