LEED-H is Different from LEED-NC

Why LEED for Homes?

• Independent third-party oversight• Provides framework for constructing a more

environmentally sensitive project• Sets a goal for the project • Recognizes leadership in high quality green

homebuilding

Why LEED for Homes?

• System based on measurable results• Benefits to the homeowner include:

– Lower energy and water bills– Better indoor air quality; reduced exposure to mold,

mildew, and other indoor toxins

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions & other environmental benefits

LEED-H Certifications

• Nationwide– Certified projects: 1027– Certified units: 1707

• Massachusetts– Certified Projects:  42– Certified Units:  74

• Four levels of certification: – Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum

• Eight categories in which to claim credits:– Innovation & Design– Location & Linkages– Sustainable Sites– Water Efficiency– Energy & Atmosphere– Materials & Resources– Indoor Environmental Quality– Awareness & Education

Program Flow

• Program intake meeting

• Plan and spec review

• Questions and requirement clarifications

• Field inspections

• Documentation collection

• Certification call with the USGBC

LEED for Homes Prerequisites

• 19 Prerequisites

• Shown on the next 21 slides

Preliminary Rating

• Prepare for Intake Meeting – review credits

• Select credits at Intake Meeting

• Assign responsibility for each credit

• Select LEED for Homes target level

Durability Planning• Complete Durability Risk Evaluation Form

– Identify durability issues

• Develop measures to address issues

• Identify moisture control measures needed– (expanded next slide)

• Incorporate measures in construction plans

• List all measures – locations – in checklist

Moisture Control Measures 1(Durability Planning)

• Tub, shower, spa – non paper faced backer board• Kitchen, bath, laundry, spa – use water resistant

flooring (no carpet)• Entry area within 3’ of door – use water resistant

flooring (no carpet)• Tank water heater in or over living space – install

drain and drain pan

Moisture Control Measures 2 (Durability Planning)

• Cloths washer in or over living space – install drain and drain pan or install accessible single throw supply valve.

• Conventional cloths dryer – exhaust directly to outdoors

• Condensing cloths dryer – install drain and drain pan

Durability Management

• Builder must have a quality management process in place

• Builder must inspect and check off each measure in a durability checklist

Erosion Control

• Stockpile and protect topsoil from erosion

• Control the path and velocity of runoff

• Protect sewer inlets, streams, and lakes

• Provide swales to divert water from hillsides

• Stabilize soils on sloped areas

No Invasive Plants

• Introduce no invasive plants into the landscape

ENERGY STAR Homes

• Meet the performance requirements for ENERGY STAR Homes– Third party Inspections

Reduced Distribution Losses

• Do not install ducts in exterior walls unless extra insulation is added that maintains the UA value of an exterior wall without ducts

• Ducts run in interior walls must be continuous hard ducts. Seal duct joints and seams before walls are enclosed.

Refrigerant Charge Test

• Provide proof of proper refrigerant charge of air conditioner systems (homes with AC)

Framing Waste Order Factor Limit

• Limit overall framing waste factor to 10% or less

• Calculate overall waste factor if any portion exceeds 10%

FSC Certified Tropical Wood• Provide all wood product suppliers with

notice containing all the following: – Builder's preference is to purchase products

containing tropical wood only if FSC certified. – Request country of manufacture of each

product supplied. – Request a list of FSC-certified tropical wood

products the vendor can supply.

• If tropical wood is used, use only FSC-certified tropical wood products.

Construction Waste Management Planning

• Investigate and document local options for diversion (recycle, reuse) of all major waste stream constituents including cardboard and household recyclables.

• Document diversion rate for construction waste.

Basic Combustion Venting Measures• No unvented combustion appliances allowed. • A carbon monoxide detector must be installed on

each floor of every unit. • All fireplaces and woodstoves must have doors• Space and water heating equipment that involves

combustion must meet one of the following – designed and installed with closed combustion – designed and installed with power-vented exhaust – located in detached utility building or open air facility

Basic Outdoor Air Ventilation

• Design and Install whole building ventilation system that complies with ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007

Basic Local Exhaust• Design and install local Exhaust systems in all

bathrooms and kitchen to meet Section 5 of ASHRAE 62.2-2007. – Kitchen range hood >= 100 cfm. – Bathroom fans >= 50 cfm.

• Design and install fans and ducts to meet Section 7 of ASHRAE 62.2-2007.

• Exhaust air to outdoors. • Use ENERGY STAR labeled bathroom exhaust

fans.

Room by Room Load Calculations

• Forced air: perform duct calculations (ACCA Manuals J and D and ASHRAE Fundamentals or equivalent) and install accordingly

• Non ducted: perform design calculations (ACCA Manuals J and D and ASHRAE Fundamentals or equivalent) and install accordingly

Good Filters

• Install air filters MERV >= 8. – Forced air: ensure air handlers maintain

adequate pressure and air flow, air filter housings are airtight.

– Non Ducted: MERV 8 in mechanical ventilation if applicable.

Radon-Resistant Construction in High Risk Areas

• In EPA Zone 1, design and build home with radon-resistant construction techniques as prescribed by EPA, International Residential Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, or equivalent

No HVAC in Garage

• Place all air-handling equipment and ductwork outside fire-rated envelope of garage

Operations Training

• Provide home's occupants with basic operations and maintenance owner's manual and a one hour walk through

Primary Roles in LEED-H

Recommendations

• Keep all prerequisites in mind • Get a provider involved as early as possible• Collect the proper documentation in an

organized system (Assign responsibility)• Use the reference guide for guidance on

program requirements• Don't chase points - do what makes sense for

the project

Other Green Certification Options