LEED for Homes

LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

LEED for Homes Rating System

(Released January 2008)

LEED for Homes Rating System (PDF)
The Rating System lists intents and requirements for each credit and includes the Project Checklist.

LEED for Homes Project Checklist (XLS)
The Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification.

Registration

Register Your Project

1. Contact a LEED for Homes Provider
2. Confirm with your chosen Provider that your project is suitable for LEED for Homes
3. Upon receiving approval from a Provider, register your project with USGBC by selecting the “Register” button below*  (You will need to create a site user account if you do not already have one)
4. Your registration is complete when USGBC receives payment of the registration fee. (To receive the USGBC national member price, the individual registering the project must be an employee of a national member organization.  If you would like more information about national membership for organizations, please visit our Membership page.)

*If you are registering 10 or more single family homes or multi-family buildings, please contact your Provider for a volume registration form.

LEED for Homes Providers

LEED homes are rated by LEED for Homes Providers – local organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise in their region's market. A LEED for Homes Provider has three primary roles:

• Marketing LEED to builders; 
• Providing green home rating support services to builders; and
• Training, coordinating and overseeing LEED qualified inspectors and builder support staff.

There are currently 31 LEED for Homes providers in the United States and 5 in Canada, located in most of the leading housing markets. USGBC selects providers that demonstrated outstanding abilities and have a proven record of supporting builders in the construction of high-performance, sustainable homes.  These providers are responsible for selecting suitable LEED for Homes projects and administering a team of Green Raters, who together with the providers verify that homes in the program are built to meet the requirements of the rating system.
Homebuilders interested in participating in the LEED for Homes program should contact one of the LEED for Homes providers below. If there is not a provider in your area, please feel free to contact a geographically proximate provider or any other provider listed on our website. USGBC will be selecting new providers as needed as the LEED for Homes program continues to grow.

Find your local LEED for Homes Provider!

LEED for Homes Certified Projects

View more than 1,000 certified homes by state, builder, rating or project type:

LEED for Homes Certified Projects By State (PDF)

LEED for Homes Certified Projects By Builder (PDF)

LEED for Homes Certified Projects By Rating (PDF)

LEED for Homes Certified Projects By Project Type (PDF)

LEED for Homes Mid-Rise Pilot

The LEED for Homes Rating System was originally designed for single family and low rise multi-family residential development. As the program has grown, residential projects in the 4-6 story category have shown an interest in using the LEED for Homes criteria. In order to address this market sector, USGBC has developed a LEED for Homes Mid-Rise pilot, which will run through 2009, to determine what criteria best meets the needs of this project type. For more information, please contact a LEED for Homes Provider.

Summary of Mid-Rise Guidance
LEED for Homes Mid-rise Checklist

LEED for Homes Initiative for Affordable Housing

The LEED for Homes Initiative for Affordable Housing promotes sustainable building practices specifically for affordable homes. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to recognize and reward the intrinsic resource efficiencies of affordable housing within the LEED for Homes Rating System. With generous support from The Home Depot Foundation, and in collaboration with other leaders in this sector, USGBC is working to develop appropriate tools, educational offerings and technical assistance for the affordable housing market. USGBC is also partnering with Enterprise Community Partners to promote green affordable housing.

Overview on Initiative for Affordable Housing

The Green Home Guide

Making your home a greener place is a commitment – to yourself, your family, your community and the world. But more than that, it is a learning process. As exciting new technologies, products and scientific breakthroughs constantly emerge, staying educated on the hows – as well as the whys – of maintaining a green home is the best way to ensure your efforts are as effective and beneficial as possible.  For more information about green home benefits and to access other resources visit USGBC's newly launched green homes Web site - The Green Home Guide: www.thegreenhomeguide.org.

REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines

The American Society of Interior Designers’ Foundation and USGBC have partnered to launch REGREEN, the nation's first green residential remodeling guidelines. The guidelines are free to download and are full of best practices, case studies, and other resources.  Download the REGREEN Guidelines Today

LEED for Homes Pilot Rating Systems

(Released February, 2007)

(Released September 8, 2005)