[OKC] Green Homes Web Site Launched

[Shields, Susie]

Green Homes Web Site Launched 

On Nov. 13, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the launch
of a new Web site that will give homeowners, homebuyers, renters,
landlords and others the tools they need to ensure their homes are as
healthy and environmentally friendly as possible.

"As Americans learn more about the importance of their actions on the
health of their families and future generations, living a greener life
becomes more vital," said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president and CEO. "Where
better to start than in the home?"

The Green Home Guide, http://www.greenhomeguide.org
<http://www.greenhomeguide.org> , details the ways green homes can
benefit people's health and pocketbooks, as well as reduce negative
impacts on the community and the world. Green homes use, on average, 40
percent less energy and 50 percent less water than conventional homes,
according to the USGBC. Green homes also make use of safe materials,
such as paints and cleaning products that don't emit harmful chemicals
into the air. They are built with a focus on carefully selected
materials -- materials that are recycled, locally produced and created
from sustainably grown, renewable resources.

The Green Home Guide was developed by USGBC with the support of Newland
Communities, a planned community developer. "Our alliance with USGBC is
a perfect fit for us," said LaDonna Monsees, president and CEO, Newland
Communities. "We are attempting to incorporate sustainability into
everything we do and educating consumers is a top priority. If consumers
are educated and have access to all of the information they need, they
will be able to make smart, healthy and sustainable decisions."

The newly launched Web site illustrates how families have gone green
with profiles of homes that have been certified under the USGBC's
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(r) (LEED) for Homes rating
system. It offers details on the LEED for Homes system, including help
in finding LEED builders and providers nearby. It includes checklists
not only for new homes but also for renovating an existing home and
retrofitting the home you live in now.

Increasingly, green homes are becoming a key part of the U.S.
homebuilding market. They are present in all 50 states, according to the
USGBC. Of the 15 million homes that have been built in the last 10
years, USGBC estimates that only about 15,000 of those homes are
certified through a green home program. There are currently 350
LEED-certified homes and more than 10,000 in the LEED process.

For additional articles related to green homes, go to "NAHB, ICC to
Collaborate on Standard for Residential Green Buildings."
<http://www.stevenspublishing.com/stevens/EPPub.Nsf/0364b6cbeb76b0258625
67110057705d/59b21c0e1361b25586257284004f7411?OpenDocument> 

 

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