Welcome to the South Florida Chapter of the USGBC—a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating and promoting the benefits of sustainable, energy efficient buildings. Join us in transforming the way our buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, providing an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life of our citizens and visitors.

Residential Green Building

 

The Benefits of a
Green Home

Green homes -- such as LEED Certified homes -- can have myriad benefits for your family, your environmental footprint, and your wallet.  Generally, green homes are more comfortable and durable, more energy and water efficient, and have
a smaller overall environmental footprint than conventional homes.

LEED Certified homes are energy efficient, conserve water and vital resources, and integrate environmentally preferred products into the design and construction of a home.  A home that achieves LEED Certification has been designed to maximize fresh air indoors, minimizing exposure to airborne toxins and pollutants, and has the potential to use 20-30% less energy (and some up to 60% less) than a home built to the International Energy Code Council’s 2006 code.  Less energy use means lower utility bills every month throughout the life of the house.

The bottom line is that we spend at least
a third of our lives in our homes, and if you’ve been a stay-at-home parent or work from home, more than two-thirds.  Our homes are the center of family life, rest and companionship.  They are the focal point for sustainability and economic, human and environmental health.  

Shouldn't that critical component of our lives be as healthy environment as possible for you and your family?

USGBC Affordable Housing
Initiatives

The USGBC strives to integrate the principles and practices of social and economic justice within those of sustainable building, a focus that helps  ensure that low-income families will maintain access to ... click here to learn more.  

Green Homes Stats & Facts

  • The residential sector is responsible for 21% of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Building occupants use 12.2% of the total water consumed in the U.S. every day, 74.4% of which is used for residential needs.
  • 43% of total building-related construction and demolotion debris is generated from residential sources.
  • The green housing market is growing rapidly, having tripled since 2008. Green homes, which comprised 17% of new residential construction in 2011, are expected to increase by 29% to 38% of the market by 2016.
  • Nearly 18,000 housing units have received LEED for Homes Certification, a number that has seen significant growth in recent years. 
  • Forty percent of LEED for Homes projects are classified in the affordable housing sector.

REGREEN Residential Remodeling Program

The American Society of Interior Designers' Foundation and the USGBC have partnered to launch REGREEN, the nation's first green residential remodeling guidelines.  The guidelines are free to download and are full of best practices, case studies and other resources.



Useful Residential Green Building
Links & Info

Upcoming Residential Green Building Events and Training

Residential Green Building Committee Looking for Volunteers

If you are inter-ested in having some hands-on learning experi-ences related to greening South Florida's homes
and communities, consider volunteering for the USGBC South Florida Chapter.  Our nonprofit organization is volunteer-driven, and close associations, outstanding camaraderie and prime education and networking opportunities abound.  To discuss volunteering on the Chapter's Residential Green Building Committee, contact Stace McGee.  "Homes" committee work is done in all five Chapter Branches, and is most often coordinated through conference calls and online conversation.


 

Profiles and Lists of Certified Homes 

Click here to access profiles and lists of South Florida's Certified Homes.  

How to Green Your Home

Reducing your home's carbon footprint needn't be a daunting path.  Whether making a few simple, cost-effective decisions (e.g., switching to fluorescent light bulbs and recycling more refuse) or making the commitment to retrofit your inefficient home, you can and should get started!  

Embracing a path toward a LEED Certified home -- one designed and constructed in accordance with the rigorous guidelines of the LEED for Homes green building certification program -- is a bit more complex, but, again. very do-able and worthwhile.  Click on the video below to learn about the advantages of living in a green home 

Another terrific source to connect to ideas, advice and green-home professionals is the USGBC's Green Home Guide.  Lastly, below you will find some particulars you'll need to know in order to pursue LEED for Homes Certification.

LEED for Homes
Green Raters 

All projects pursuing LEED for Homes Certification must have a LEED for Homes Green Rater perform the required onsite verification.  Green Raters have the following responsibilities ... click here to learn more.

LEED for Homes Providers

All Green Raters work with LEED for Homes Provider Organizations to complete the verification process for each LEED for Homes project ... click here to learn more.


Why Do I Need An 
Energy Audit?

First, click here to review a short, informative video that explains what home performance is all about.  Second, you should have an
energy audit because it will ... click here to learn more.

Green Homes Q&A

Need more information about greening your home?  The USGBC's Green Home Guide has an outstanding "Ask a Pro" archive of advice. It also allows individuals to post questions, which adds to the treasure trove of valuable information.  To access this valuable resource, click on the image below.


 

 
 
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