Whether you are building a new home or renovating, buying, or renting an existing home, how do you know if a home is truly green? The following checklists will help you identify green features for a healthier, high-performing home. If you are constructing a new home or making significant renovations, a building permit application may require the submission of a LEED for Homes or a National Green Building Standard checklist. Please note: Residential projects compliance requirements call for "Checklist Only", meaning that a project team member (typically the architect, but could be the contractor, owner or engineer), must download the applicable rating system checklist (LEED or NGBS) and check off items they are, or are willing to, consider incorporating into their project. The "checklist only" requirement is used as an educational tool, for increasing awareness in the building community about green building. You are not required to implement any of the items checked off, excluding items required by building code, but are required to consider them.
What is required for residential construction?
(single-family attached and detached homes, townhomes, not more than three stories or less)
Requirements for new construction, alterations to existing one and two family dwellings and additions that increase the gross floor area by over 2000 gross square feet include:
1. Review and submission of the Green Requirements Supplemental Form to determine what is required for your project.
2. Submission of a green building checklist (select one of the following) - LEED® for Homes Checklist (select the simplified project checklist worksheet)
The U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED for Homes voluntary rating system to promote the design and construction of high-performance green homes, including affordable housing, mass-production homes, custom designs, stand-alone single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, suburban and urban apartments and condominiums and lots in historic buildings.
- National Green Building StandardTM Green Scoring Tool
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC) developed the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) to define green building for single and multifamily homes, residential remodeling projects and site development projects. The Green Scoring Tool provides a checklist to score a home according to the NGBS requirements.
- Other LEED equivalent residential rating system checklist (as approved by the City)
The City is willing to consider alternative methods of compliance such as other rating systems or building codes so long as they are deemed equivalent in spirit and stringency to the rating system, code or program referenced. The applicant must work with the City to ensure equivalency and develop acceptable compliance documentation.
3. Certain installed appliances, fixtures, and building components must earn the ENERGY STAR label.
4. Enhanced energy efficiency measures. Including meeting the envelope, windows, and lighting specifications of the ENERGY STAR qualified homes criteria, or qualify via the National Performance Path.
5. Meet the specifications for the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air package for protection from mold, chemicals, combustion gases and other airborne pollutants.
6. Builders must provide the homeowner/ occupant with a manual describing the intent, benefits, use and maintenance of green building features. For more information: |
