Green Building Council ‘doubles’ LEED network

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has doubled its network of LEED for Homes providers across the United States in an effort to “expand local access to green home-building expertise.”

Launched by the nonprofit USGBC in December 2007, LEED for Homes is a national, third-party certification system for green homes. To gain LEED certification, a home must complete an on-site inspection to verify performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, non-toxic materials and other features.

To date, more than 540 homes have been recognized at LEED certification of various levels, including “Certified,” “Silver,” “Gold” or “Platinum,” according to the group. An additional 12,940 have registered under the program and are under development.

Local LEED for Homes providers help home builders, architects and designers use LEED to build new homes and offer the rating and verification inspections required by the program.