Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance in metrics such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
As an affirmation of our commitment to the environment, Route 9 Design Build will design projects to Leed Certification where required or desired. Its one of the many things we do to help the community.
What’s the Difference?
Looking at two seemingly identical houses, one Energy Star/LEED Certified and the other minimally code complaint, you won’t notice much on the surface that seems to be different.
The code minimum house will be a little cheaper. Money’s tight, and you want to get the most for your money. Spending a little more on the Energy Star home will save you money in the long run because of these differences in the construction:
- Higher standards of insulation installation, leading to a more weather-tight house. Prescribed detailing to virtually eliminate wind infiltration.
- Minimal usage of low performance insulation products such as fiberglass.
- Class 1 Cellulose insulation, a locally recycled product that is sustainable.
- More efficient heating systems and sealed ductwork to reduce air leakage.
- Floor system air sealing for greater comfort.
- Efficient doors and windows.
- Low E glass.
- Sealing around doors and windows with high performance materials.
- SEER 12 and SEER 14 cooling equipment.
- Higher humidity levels are achievable without damage to house, approximately 40% for greater health and comfort indoors.
- Constant/periodic ventilation to refresh interior air.
For more information: U.S. Green Building Council
