LEED for Homes

The WNC Green Building Council is an official Provider for the US Green Building Council's LEED for Homes Certification.

Watch short videos about the LEED for Homes Certification process AND the Benefits of a LEED Certified Home

If you are interested in certifying to the LEED for Homes rating system please contact Maggie Leslie at:

Maggie@wncgbc.org828-254-1995 or Visit www.GreenHomeGuide.org to learn more from the USGBC.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is LEED for Homes?
LEED for Homes is the national green home certification system of the US Green Building Council (USGBC).  The voluntary rating system promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes, including affordable housing, mass-production homes, custom designs, stand-alone single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, suburban and urban apartments and condominiums and lofts in historic buildings. LEED-Homes have lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fewer problems with mold, mildew and other indoor toxins.  LEED certification is something that consumers can look for to readily identify homes that have been third-party inspected, performance-tested and certified as truly green homes that will perform better than standard homes. Homebuilders using LEED are able to differentiate their homes as some of the best on the market.

How does it compare to NC HealthyBuilt Homes?
LEED for Homes is very similar in scope and process to the statewide certification program NC HealthyBuilt Homes. Both programs offer third party certification and require minimum point levels in each section of the checklist: water, energy, indoor air quality, materials and site.  Both programs rely on the Home Energy Rating System and Energy Star Rating as a baseline for energy efficiency and inspection process. There are some requirements that are stricter, and others that are less strict.   Many project choose to dual certify with both projects.  The WNCGBC offers NC HealthyBuilt Homes Certification at no additional cost to LEED-Homes

What is the process for building a LEED-Home?
Contact the WNCGBC as early as possible during the design process.  We will set up a time to have a design review with you, members of your design/build team and your Green Rater to go over the checklist and the program expectations. The project then needs to register and pay applicable fees to the USGBC, the WNCGBC, and the Green Rater. From there, you work with your Green Rater throughout the building process.  They will visit the site a minimum of 2 times, but on average 4 times, depending on the items you would like to receive points for.  Typically this includes a site inspection, a framing plus mechanical inspection, an insulation inspection and a very thorough final inspection.  The Project Team Leader is responsible for providing all necessary documentation to the Green Rater.  The Green Rater then provides the necessary information to the WNCGBC, who in turn submits the information to the USGBC.  The USGBC and the WNCGBC have a conference call to discuss the project, and the USGBC will provide the final certification.  Final certification will not be provided until all certification fees have been paid to the USGBC, WNCGBC and the Green Rater.

What is a Green Rater?
“Green Rater” is a new term that is still being defined.  Currently, a Home Energy Rater, as defined by RESNET can take additional course instruction and pass a test to become considered a Green Rater.  However, this does not mean that the rater is able to act as an inspector for LEED-Homes.  Green Raters for LEED-Homes must have additional instruction as set by the local provider.

Are there any incentives for LEED-Homes?
At this time, there are no state or federal financial incentives specifically for LEED-Homes.  The major incentive for building a LEED-Home is the national marketing recognition, differentiation and the many homeowner benefits that come with third party certification.  There are tax incentives for renewable energy and for builders of homes that are 50% more energy efficient than code.  There are local permit fee rebates from the City of Asheville, NC and the Town of Black Mountain, NC.  Progress Energy currently offers a utility permit fee rebates for qualified Energy Star Homes.  Both Progress and Duke offer a utility rate discount for certified Energy Star Homes.

How much does it cost?
Pricing varies based on square footage, home complexity, items chosen on the checklist, location of the home, number of units being built and the amount of consulting time necessary.  The certification cost for a builder of a single family custom home that is building their first LEED-Home averages between $2500-4000.  This includes all fees of the USGBC, the WNCGBC, the Green Rater and the required Energy Star certification. This does not apply
to multifamily projects, volume project, or repeat clients and does not include the cost of upgrades to achieve the requirements.

I have already broken ground on my home; can I still get it certified?
Yes, however, the home needs to meet all program prerequisites and may be required to document any items that can no longer be inspected. A design review of the home is required. The sooner the project enrolls in the program the easier the process.  However, homes cannot attain certification after the insulation is covered up and can no longer be inspected.  Typically if a home is already framed, it will be very difficult to meet all of the prerequisites.

What is a Provider?
The role of the Provider to provide local administration for the USGBC to implement the LEED-Homes program and acts as a local resource for project teams.  The Provider offers local oversight of Green Raters. The Provider does not certify projects, but submits them to the USGBC for actual certification.

I am a LEED AP, do I need a Provider?
YES.  LEED-AP’s may work as consultants on projects but every LEED-Home must work through a Provider to get certified. Additionally there is currently no LEED-AP designation for Homes.  The LEED-AP Plus for Homes designation should be available in late 2009.

Is the WNCGBC a chapter of the USGBC? 
No, the WNCGBC is a member organization of the USGBC and works with the USGBC as a Provider for the LEED for Homes program.

For more information visit:
http://www.greenhomeguide.org/green_home_programs/leed_for_homes.html