The LEEDGreen Building Rating System was initiated by the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is a voluntary, consensus-based, market- driven building rating system based on existing proven technology.

LEED is a measurement system designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional and residential buildings. It is based on accepted energy and environmental principles and strikes a balance between known established practices and emerging concepts. The evaluation of environmental performance, from a whole building perspective over a building’s life cycle, provides a definitive standard for what constitutes a “green building.”

The LEED Rating System provides a basis for quantifying the benefits of green homes, thereby facilitating the widespread construction of more sustainable homes.

LEED for New Construction addresses:

• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy & Atmosphere
• Materials & Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Innovation in Design

Green building practices can substantially reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts and improve existing unsustainable design, construction and operational practices. As an added benefit, green design measures reduce operating costs, enhance building marketability, increase worker productivity, and reduce potential liability resulting from indoor air quality problems.

Breakthroughs in building science, technology, and operations are now available to designers, builders, operators and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance. Green homes rely upon established, proven design features and technologies that do not have a significantly large cost. In fact, many green measures, will reduce long-term costs. Frequently these reductions in operating costs will more than offset the additional up-front costs of a green structure.

The green design field is growing and changing daily. New technologies and products are coming into the marketplace and innovative designs are proving their effectiveness.

Ken Stockton Architects has received LEED Certification from the USGBC. We welcome the opportunity to create an environmentally friendly design for you.