LEED has traditionally been applied to commercial structures – and some don’t think the LEED standards are entirely well thought out. Still, there are obvious benefits if we can achieve green homes, and LEED is offering one checklist for that goal. This is a good tool for consumers especially; although, keep in mind that a home does not have to be LEED certified to be healthy, non-toxic, and earth-friendly – this is just one system for checking these goals.

You can see the revised system below:

LEED for Homes Rating System (opens in PDF)

LEED for Homes Project Checklist (XLS)

You can get the full residential LEED scoop from the U.S. Green Building Council.

What’s more exciting, I think, then the new standards will be all the new houses trying to get the certification. This, I’m sure, will result in some pretty cool architecture – with people trying to build one of the best newly certified homes and so fourth. Like the new home being created for the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. They’ll be running a feature exhibit, Smart Home: Green + Wired, May 8, 2008 – January 4, 2009.

PR from the Museum:

“During its 75th Anniversary year, the Museum of Science and Industry will be building a functioning, three-story modular and sustainable “green” home in its own backyard to show case the ways, big and small, that people can make eco-friendly living a part of their lives—and to highlight unique home technologies for the 21st century. Celebrating exciting new directions in sustainable living and spectacular, environmentally-friendly technology, Smart Home: Green + Wired will offer guests guided tours of the 2,500 square-foot home and grounds, located in a park on the east side of the Museum. Guests will be able to view the latest innovations in reusable resources; smart energy consumption; sustainable gardens and green roofs; and clean, healthy-living environments in a contemporary setting.”

It sounds stellar. Best of all, guess who designed the home? Michelle Kaufmann Designs!  Cool, right? Remember West Coast Green?

Read more about the mkSolaire.

Post from: Blisstree

Residential LEED & the mkSolaire

West Coast Green, the largest residential green building conference in America recently released it’s full line-up of presenters and exhibits for this year’s show taking place on September 20-22, 2007. The show, which will be held in San Francisco, has two days worth of educational programs for builders and designers in the industry and then allows homeowners in on the final day (wish I could go).

Sadly, I cannot go and I’m guessing this won’t fit into most of your schedules either. So I’m hoping that up until the show, I can bring some of what will be going on to Offbeat readers.

Starting with the mkLotus; designed by Michelle Kauffmann architect of the Sunset Breezehouse and built by XtremeHomes. The mkLotus is said to “feature the most advanced green technology and sustainable materials available on the market.”

I am not a fan of modular homes and I think this one is stunning. I love the colors and the raise on the roof. According to Kauffman’s site some components of the new very green design include:

• “Green “Living” Roof
• Solar Power: This Home Uses 100% Solar Generated Power
• Rain and Groundwater Catchment System: Collected Water is Used for Irrigation
• Gray Water System: Collected Water from Sinks and Shower is Recirculated to Toilets
• Exterior Siding: Low-maintenance, Long-lasting Integral Color Cement Board by Cembonit and FSC Certified Woood.
• High Performance, Energy Efficient Spray-in Open Cell Foam Insulation
• On-demand Water Heater
• Energy Efficient HVAC System”
  

Included green interior components include:

• Sustainable Layout for Maximum Cross Ventilation and Natural Lighting
• Rapidly Renewable Bamboo Flooring
• No-VOC Paint by Yolo throughout
• LED Lighting throughout
• Interior Sliding Door Panels by 3form: EcoResin comprised of 40% Post-Industrial Reclaimed Material

I don’t love the interior as much as the exterior; but I think I’m basing this on the white couch — obviously you’d bring your own furniture in.
One amazing point about this home is that the “Off Site Modular Technology” resulted in 50-70% less waste than if you build a home traditionally on site. Plus the neighbors don’t get mad with all the noise. (home building is very loud).

I love it. If you are going, you’ll get to see this home in person. West Coast Green, Extreme Green Homes, and Sunset Magazine are going to construct one of these high-performance green homes in front of City Hall and the Bill Graham Civic Center where West Coast Green is held.

Additionally, if you’re going, take a camera and send me some shots. Or maybe we should just organize a road trip. I’ll rent a pop-up and a truck and pick you all up along the way. But you’d have to live somewhere between Washington and California. Let’s see I think that leaves what, Oregon. Go Pacific NW!; sorry East Coasties.

For more information and extra photos of this beautiful home visit Michelle Kauffmann designs.

Post from: Blisstree

West Coast Green: The mkLotus