I am seeing more and more about LEED certification for properties and many people don't understand what it's all about.

Here's a quick rundown:

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Envinromental Design. It is a certification procedure developed by www.usgbc.org to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable housing.

Building a LEED house generally costs more than a housing built to standard building codes. However, with the cost savings in energy, water and possible tax abatements, many times a LEED house quickly pays back the initial higher cost.

For a house there is a possible of 108 points. If a house reaches: 
30 points it is a LEED certified house
50 points it is certified "silver"
70 points it is certified "gold"
90 points it is certified "platinum"

Examples of things that earn points:
-compact flourescent bulbs earn 1 point
-exta insulation earn 1 point
-installing a better furnace earns 3 points
-capturing rainwater for irrigation earns 1 point
-installing lowflow showerheads, toilets and faucets earn 1 point or 2 points if they are super efficient
-installing new windows 20% more efficient than Energy Star requirements earns two points
-using low VOC paint for less air pollution earns one point

If you have bought a LEED certified house, you should contact your local tax authority to see if you qualify for an tax abatements.

Source: Telegram, Oct 19, 2008 Jim Dulley LEED certification available for homes
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