Report Shows Growth in Demand for Green Homes

The number of LEED-certified homes in the world doubled between 2011 and 2012, according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s recent “LEED in Motion: Residential” report. The report notes there are now more than 150,000 LEED homes worldwide, with continued steady growth. The benefits of LEED-certified homes include savings of 20 to 30 percent in energy and water compared to traditional homes, and healthier indoor environments with minimum exposure to airborne toxins and pollutants. The report says 43 percent of LEED for Homes units are affordable homes, while the three leading countries for LEED homes are the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. In the U.S., California has the most LEED homes, followed by Texas. Driving the expansion of LEED homes are local policies and public awareness of the health and well-being benefits found in LEED homes. “Homes touch practically every aspect of our lives and are a critical element of our overall sense of safety, identity, and community,” says USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi. “Enhancing our homes’ efficiency and resilience offers an extraordinary opportunity to further the revolution in sustainable building and living practices so that it ripples outward to our communities.” | Read More