USGBC LEED for Homes reaches an important milestone with the announcement of 50,000 certified units.
Since the launch of the LEED for Homes rating system in 2007, the growth trajectory for the residential green building program has been dramatic. In 2007, 392 housing units were LEED certified. In 2012 and 2013, USGBC certified more than 15,000 and 17,000 housing units, respectively.
Of the 50,000-plus certified units, 74% are within multifamily buildings, while 44% are classified as affordable housing. In addition, nearly 65% of the total units were certified in the past two years, a strong indicator of the continued momentum of the rating system.
There are also more than 82,000 units under construction and in the pipeline for LEED certification.
The continued growth of LEED for Homes is attributable to its many proven benefits, including enhanced property value, healthier indoor environments, and energy and water savings that average 20 to 30%.
In December 2013, USGBC also announced the LEED certification of its 20,000th commercial project.
For more information on the LEED for Homes rating system, visit www.usgbc.org/homes.
