GREEN HOME FACT #4

The level of “green” attributes in a “green” home is very important. This is where it gets a little tricky. Remember we discussed the fact there is no such thing is 100% “green”? Under the LEED for Homes certification program there are a total of 136 potential points to achieve. Depending on the size of house, number of bedrooms and square footage, different thresholds are required to achieve different certification levels. LEED for Homes has four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. MN Green Star has three certification levels: Certified, Silver and Gold.

Minnesota has a fairly aggressive energy code and a house built to the minimum state building codes could meet the lowest certification level of either LEED for Homes or MN Green Star with minor improvements. A moderately “green” home would be a minimum level of silver under either program. Amaris Company targets Gold as our minimum threshold.

I know this is boring stuff, but a “green” builder must pay attention to every detail in the building process. Paying attention to details means you will have a better quality home in the end. A “green” builder will be able to discuss every aspect of the construction project as it relates to “green” attributes.