LEED Certified Construction Richmond VA

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Build Green or LEED certified homes are both topics that are all over the news today. With the recent increases in energy costs there is a major push from government and private interests to incorporate environmentally friendly building techniques. The USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) is about to adopt LEED certification requirements for residential construction. The certification requirements will give designers, contractors and owners the ability to set measurable standards to the LEED design. The new guidelines will take place in the Spring of 2007.

LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. A properly designed LEED home may cost a bit more to construct, however, long term savings due to energy, water and health savings will surpass the short term increased costs.

There are many resources available if you're interested in learning more about building a LEED certified home. The USGBC has a web site with lots of information about the upcoming residential construction certification. Another great resource is Build It Green, they have lots of great information about building Green in California (which can be applied almost anywhere). The EPA has a web site called Green Buildings.

I'm currently working on getting my current employer Energy Star certified as well as looking at the possibility of getting LEED certified. I plan on writing additional articles about this subject as I learn more specifics. Please check back occasionally to look for additional information.

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