LEED-Certified Homes Are the Standard for Paul Allen Green Homes

Did you know that there are no LEED-certified builders, only LEED-certified homes?

What does LEED-certified mean, anyway? If you’re currently searching for a new house to call home, you’ve probably encountered that acronym a few times. It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. It was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to promote energy savings, water efficiency, reduction in carbon emissions and waste, better indoor air quality and the protection of natural resources on a national—and global—scale.

Achieving LEED certification is a stringent process that requires homes to earn a certain number of points for four available levels. The maximum number of points is 136, and the four levels are base certification, silver, gold, and platinum.

Why Should You Choose a LEED-Certified House for Your Next Home?

The benefits of choosing a LEED-certified home are numerous. Several of the LEED credits directly tie into your experience of the home and how it enhances your health and wellbeing.

Health

Energy and Atmosphere: Because energy-efficient homes consume fewer fossil fuels, the associated air pollution is lessened.

Location and Transportation: Proximity to community resources and public transit lines are taken into consideration when selecting construction locations, so homeowners can drive less and utilize walking paths, bike trails, and public transportation.

Ventilation and Enhanced Ventilation: Good ventilation cycles fresh air through the home and flushes out stale air, helping to improve indoor air quality for the occupants.

Combustion Venting and Enhanced Combustion Venting: When used properly, this type of venting stops harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide from building up inside the house and in your lungs.

Garage Pollutant Protection and Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection: Vehicle exhaust and other fumes often contribute to unhealthy garage air quality. This type of protection helps to make it safer.

Radon-Resistant Construction: This helps to keep Radon—one of the leading causes of lung cancer—out of the home.

Air Filtering: Good air filters remove contaminants such as dust, mold, and spores from indoor air, making it healthier and safer for you to breathe.

Low-Emitting Products: Installing products and appliances that emit fewer VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, keeps you healthier and your home safer.

Savings

Because LEED-certified homes use less water and energy, that translates to lower utility bills each month. That means LEED-certified homes could see energy reductions of:

• LEED-Certified: Up to 30%
• LEED Silver: ~30%
• LEED Gold: ~48%
• LEED Platinum: ~50-60%

What does that mean for you? Potentially, a huge reduction in utility costs!

LEED-Certified Homes Have a Higher Value Than Traditional Homes

Because LEED-certified homes are inspected, performance-tested, and certified by a third party, homeowners and potential buyers tend to place more value on them.

Typically, LEED-certified homes are 9% more valuable than conventional homes, and they sell for an average of 8% more than conventional homes. When resold, they can sell for up to 30% more than conventional homes. That means you can expect your LEED-certified home to hold on to its value if you decide to resell in a few years.

What else can you expect? These homes can qualify for discounted insurance rates, as well as tax breaks and other incentives.

Choose a LEED-Certified Home Builder You Can Trust

Paul Allen Green Homes goes above and beyond to achieve LEED certification. When you choose one of these homes, you can be confident that you’re making a healthy, green choice for you and your family. Reach out today to start planning your next green home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.