Finding a LEED builder

As we become more environmentally educated and conscious, it is important to us to reduce our impact on the environment. When it comes to building a new home or extensively remodeling an existing one, working with qualified LEED builders is your best bet to carry out your green plans.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is synonymous when discussing homes or communities which are ‘green.’The purpose of LEED, which is managed by the United States Green Building Council, is to determine the sustainability of green building. LEED is the benchmark to which green builders aspire to have their construction projects meet.Being LEED certified means contractors must meet certain criteria depending on what discipline of construction they wish to focus. Examples would be LEED for Schools, LEED for New Construction (the most common type) and LEED for Homes.

The LEED criteria which builders must meet fall into eight categories: sustainable sites, design and innovation, indoor environmental qualitylocation and linkages, atmosphere and energy, water efficiency, materials and resources and awareness and education. Some examples taken from the categories found in a LEED checklist include access to open space, durability management, graywater reuse system, plants that tolerate drought, efficient distribution of hot water, products which are environmentally preferred, basic operations trainingand indoor contaminant control.

To find a green builder requires more than hiring a general contractor who says he or she is environmentally friendly. It is even more than being aware of the impact made on the environment when constructing a project.

A qualified LEED builder examines the types of materials being used on a new home or reconstruction project for their sustainability. Every piece of construction material that goes into your home should considered for its’ impact on the environment before it is used. Excellent choices of green materials include energy-efficient appliances, recycled or reclaimed wood as well as remanufactured parts. Materials which do not harm the environment when they degrade or should they breakdown are also part of the LEED creed. Not only are the materials important the methods used to install them are as well. Builders who are LEED certified are careful not waste material, they minimize how much electricity or gas is being used when they work, and if hazardous materials cannot be avoided, how will they be utilized and disposed of?

Although, the cost for LEED construction is higher than standard construction but the benefits of going green to us and our environment far outweigh the difference in price. Before you hire a general contract, contact builders who are LEED certified for a consultation of the kind of environmentally-friendly work they do and what they charge. You may be surprised at how affordable ‘going green’ is.Know more about Builders and Builder