The LEED Environmental Rating System PDF  | Print |  E-mail
Written by Ian Aitchison   
Tuesday, 03 February 2009 13:20

Just one of several up and coming environmental rating standards, LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ) is fast becoming a widely recognized eco rating system for builders and consumers alike. 
LEED standards initiated in the United States but have quickly grown and adapted for conditions in the Canadian housing market and the Canada Green Building Council. With the LEED system, projects are allotted points for practices and features in the following areas:
 
-         Show significant savings of energy and water.

-         Provide healthier indoor air quality.

-         Reduce the waste created during construction

-         Effectively use recycled materials and promote sustainable site development.
 
Based on scores in these areas, homes are awarded a rating at one of four levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.


On the surface, a LEED eco-friendly home may seem fairly standard. Energy Star approved lights, water saving faucets and appliances and environmentally sensitive paints and varnishes are all a good start. Additional features often seen in these homes are carpets and underlay made with recycled content and even the use of more interesting materials such as cork flooring. 

How about some of the more prominent features of the exemplary eco-homes.  Photovoltaic solar panels with reverse metering can actually allow you to sell your power back to the power grid. Hot water on demand systems powered by solar panels that can actually be used to heat your domestic hot water lines,  provide radiant heat and even some limited space heating. There are even some systems available now that are capable of recovering up to 60 per cent of the heat that is lost through waste drain water.

The proper utilization of insulations can be critical for a good eco friendly home. Some things you might see in one of these houses? Basements with R-12 fiberglass bats and carefully sealed vapor barrier. In the attics, R-50 rated recycled cellulose, for exposed floors R-31 foam insulation in the ceilings and  R14 and R-22 insulation in exterior walls is beefed up by R-5 exterior insulation board. All of these elements will lead to a more efficient use of energy in the house while keeping the elements at bay and reducing your energy needs over the colder months.

So why choose a LEED certified green home? While some “green” houses boast “Energy Star” components, Energy Star just deals with energy efficiencies. LEED takes this to the next level by incorporating not only environmentally sensitive products and materials but also healthier water and air efficiencies. LEED offers green branding that works. The LEED ranking system rewards builders and contractors for overperforming by giving a level based ranking of silver, gold or platinum. With a focus on overachieving we all end up winners with a healthier living environment and a lower environmental impact. In the end isn’t that what it’s all about?