Energy efficiency and sustainability are priorities for WIN’s housing development work, and our new construction is built to LEED standards.
How does a home become LEED certified?
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program is a certification process established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to certify green homes.
Nine key areas measured by LEED:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Location and Linkages
- Awareness and Education
- Innovation in Design
- Regional Priority
How do LEED homes benefit homeowners?
LEED homes are built to be healthy, providing clean indoor air and incorporating safe building materials to ensure a comfortable home. LEED-certified buildings are resource efficient. They use less water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. LEED certified buildings can reduce energy and water costs as much as 40% and using less energy and water means lower utility bills each month.
Your home may also qualify for a host of incentives like tax rebates and zoning allowances. For example, LEED certified homes in the City of Cincinnati are eligible for a 15-year property tax abatement. And in many markets, certified green homes are now selling quicker and for more money than comparable non-green homes.