OVERVIEW
LEED is a third-party certification program and an internationally
accepted benchmark for the design, operation and construction of high
performance green buildings. It provides building owners and operators
the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on
their buildings’ performance.
The LEED Canada for Homes Rating System measures the overall
performance of a home in eight categories:
1. Innovation & Design Process (ID). Special design
methods, unique regional credits, measures not currently addressed in
the Rating System, and exemplary performance levels.
2. Location & Linkages (LL). The placement of homes in
socially and environmentally responsible ways in relation to the
larger community.
3. Sustainable Sites (SS). The use of the entire
property so as to minimize the project's impact on the site.
4. Water Efficiency (WE). Water-efficient practices,
both indoor and outdoor.
5. Energy & Atmosphere (EA). Energy efficiency,
particularly in the building envelope and heating and cooling design.
6. Materials & Resources (MR). Efficient utilization of
materials, selection of environmentally preferable materials, and
minimization of waste during construction.
7. Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ). Improvement of
indoor air quality by reducing the creation of and exposure to
pollutants.
8. Awareness & Education (AE). The education of the
homeowner, tenant, and/or building manager about the operation and
maintenance of the green features of a LEED® home.
The LEED Canada for Homes Rating System works by requiring a minimum
level of performance through prerequisites, and rewarding improved
performance in each of the above categories. The level of performance
is indicated by four performance tiers - Certified, Silver, Gold and
Platinum - according to the number of points earned.
Certification is based on the total point score achieved, following an
independent review and an audit of selected Credits. With four
possible levels of certification (certified, silver, gold and
platinum), LEED® is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of
green building strategies that best fit the constraints and goals of
particular projects.
For more information, visit:
Canadagreenhomeguide