Final Project

  LEED Certification  

Points Achieved: 71                                                   

Certification: Gold Certified

Estimated Cost: $212900 ($22900 more for LEED home)

Main Strategies Used:

(1)   Innovation/Design - Followed a quality and durability management process throughout to allow us to make sure things were getting done as planned and as a checklist, and used a automated energy management system throughout house to control lightning and geothermal HVAC system

(2)   Increased overall water efficiency/usage - Installed low flow rate toilets and showers, drought-tolerant plants that require minimal irrigation and no chemicals, ENERGY STAR washing machine that uses 40% less water, and connected a rainwater harvesting tank to the roof.

(3)   Reduced energy need – Installed a geothermal heating/cooling system, increased insulation throughout house including around hot water pipes, ENERGY STAR refrigerator which is 20% more energy efficient than normal refrigerator.

(4)   Waste Reduction – Contributed to the most of the LEED home increased cost, used FSC-certified doors and reclaimed hardwood floors, and implemented waste reduction program during construction.

Meeting the LEED Gold certification required special green appliances, lights, building materials, and energy systems. LEED homes are typically more expensive than standard homes because the products used are normally more specialized. Using these practices and standards allowed us to obtain LEED Gold certification.