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| USGBC Launches Green Homes Web Site The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with generous support from Newland Communities, has launched 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, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "Where better to start than in the home?" Green homes use, on average, 40 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than conventional homes, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, protecting our precious water resources and saving families money every month in utility bills. Green homes also make use of safe materials, such as paints and cleaning products that don't emit harmful chemicals into the air our families breathe. They are built with a focus on carefully selected materials – materials that are recycled, locally produced and created from sustainably grown, renewable resources. 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. The Green Home Guide offers fun, interactive ways to learn about the impacts of our personal habits on the world around us and provides scores of tips on how we can reduce that impact. Increasingly, green homes are becoming a key part of the U.S. homebuilding market. They are present in all 50 states. 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. With each passing year, more and more green homes are popping up throughout the country, including both newly built homes and renovated existing homes. In 2005, just 2 percent of the country's new home construction market was green focused. By 2010, it is anticipated that number will climb to 10 percent, according to the 2006 McGraw-Hill Construction Residential Green Building SmartMarket Report. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Construction News :: home page |