LEED for Homes
Recounting where we are and where we need to be certainly requires a look at the LEED checklist. We are planning for most of the same points as in our preliminary rating and Platinum certification. Although some of the points we had hoped to gain will not be possible, others may be added.
Due to our long term project timeline all of the experts included in the design charrette could not be involved in all phases of the project and meet regularly so that point is not gained, but we didn’t lose any other points in Project Planning.
The durability checklist is being followed and we should gain all points for addressing these issues: air infiltration, radon, and ground moisture under the slab. We hope to apply for the innovative use of the waffle mat slab to control the heaving due to ground moisture too. For durability the bathroom in the crawlspace area of the house will have to be re-tiled with waterproof backing as the demolished bathrooms were tiled on regular drywall and waterproof backing in the bath/shower area is a requirement.
Energy Logic is due to be our third party evaluator so for Innovation and Design we should earn 7 points.
Location and Linkages have basically not changed since our preliminary rating for a total of 7 points.
In the area of Sustainable Sites, we have worked to improve the landscape and have the professional landscape and irrigation plan. Unfortunately several of the trees we planted for 50% shade of the driveway have died. We are planting again this spring. Dave has started some hand terracing to capture natural runoff for trees and is building a garden wall that terraces the vegetable garden. We have very little impermeable paving compared to the size of the lot, and all the plants except for the vegetables and fruit trees will be drought tolerant varieties. A few plantings have survived the rabbits. Although the calculations have not been done for water reduction, there should be some based on the changes in the irrigation system. Without whatever points the watering plan will gain, we should have at least 14 points in Sustainable Sites.
We still predict 10 points in Water Efficiency due to Water Sense faucets, low flow showers, and low water using flush toilets as well as a reduced and highly efficient irrigation system.
It appears that the performance path is the best option at this time for Energy and Atmosphere. That means passing the thermal bypass inspection and obtaining a low HERS score. If we can meet our goal of 40 we will gain 26 points with one of those for pipe insulation and another for not having air conditioning.
Salvaging the lumber from our deconstruction, purchasing used and recycled materials for the shell and finish materials and diverting a great deal of our construction waste from the landfill will gain us several points in Materials and Resources–at least 13.
We have lots of work to do yet for Indoor Air Quality. The ventilation system has to be installed, and the Energy Star Air Plus requirements must be met. The garage needs a vent fan that runs on a timer when the garage door is opened. But all the combustion appliances have outdoor venting, the radon system is installed, the airlock entry with shoe removal facilities is designed. We should have third party verification on the indoor air quality and a backdraft test on the wood burning boiler so that we could qualify for all 21 points in this category.
Finally the Awareness and Education requirements are starting to be met with this blog, the presentation about our project at the Sustainability Fair, which may take the place of a newspaper article, and open houses that will probably happen after the window and membrane installations for the Passive House group and perhaps for USGBC Denver. The advanced training that I took for LEED green rating qualifies for enhanced homeowner training. I have already started the user manual and an advanced technical manual will also be written. We should qualify for all 3 AE points.
The projected total with a couple of points for irrigation reduction is about 103 points so we have a few to lose and still make the 94 point Platinum level. But there is still a lot of work ahead.