MOKULUA HPB has partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council to promote and develop projects that conform to LEED for Homes (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements, thereby earning a level of certification ranging from; Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. In order to achieve each level of certification, homes must meet various category credits some of which are pre-requisites (mandatory) requirements, while others are opportunities for potential points, earning projects higher certification levels. The following are the 8 credit categories that make up the LEED for Homes rating system;
- Innovative Design Process (ID)
- Location and Linkages (LL)
- Sustainable Sites (SS)
- Water Efficiency (WE)
- Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
- Materials and Resources (MR)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
- Awareness and Education (AE)
Each category focuses on specific aspects of a given project and elaborates on the best practices for building the home. LEED for Homes emphasizes these practices should be reviewed, discussed and implemented in the pre-construction phase to ensure project efficiency and reduce retro-fitted solutions that often pose a burden when not planned appropriately. Pulling a project team together early in the pre-construction phase is a great strategy which can guarantee a successful project, delivered on Time, Target and Budget.
LEED for Homes also integrates the Energy Star Program (link to ES page) wherein the performance of the home’s energy efficient features and consumption are modeled and measured by the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) program. This series of tests ensures a home’s performance; tightness, air quality, ventilation, mechanical efficiencies, and energy consumption all contribute to a “score” that if adequate Energy Star qualifies and tax credits can be given in recognition of this performance. The better the HERS rating the more likely your home will achieve a higher LEED for Homes level of certification. This “score” is essentially pinpointing the quality and health of your home.
At MOKULUA HPB, we believe strongly that the more time spent in the planning phase the more likely our clients have had the opportunity to explore their project and gain a clear understanding of the intricacies within. This knowledge fosters a confidence that reinforces a team approach and stress free outcome. Fortunately, in our quest to change the industry for the better one High Performance Home at a time; LEED for Homes works seamlessly with our approach and offers clients an option for pursuing certification of their High Performance Home; meeting the highest standards with a home that promotes a healthy life, a place to share and love, and a foundation for the continued pursuit of happiness.
For more information on LEED for Homes, the LEED for Homes Rating System and other data, please click the following link; http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147; for additional information on the U.S. Green Building Council please click on the following; http://www.usgbc.org/.
