Public Awareness

Our sign - six square feet, per spec!

 

 One of the biggest challenges for LEED for Homes has been getting the word out. Commercial property owners have embraced LEED. The federal government and many state and local governments have mandated LEED certification for certain project types. School districts love LEED, and the new(ish) LEED for Healthcare rating system has also begun to be widely adopted by hospitals and clinics. But residential projects - both single family and multifamily - have been behind the curve. So in addition to homeowner awareness and education, LEED for Homes encourages public education and awareness through certain points available. This sign outside our home (along with this blog) help us let our neighbors and other passersby that our home is unconventionally and sustainably built.

Paint

Paint Samples in Mrs. Grovewood's trunk

We've spent the last week with our design consultant buying out the pint and quart samples at The Green Painter. Literally - they are out of pint and quart sample sizes of Mythic interior paint. Using low or no VOC paints, caulks, and primers contributes a half point under credit MR 2.2 Environmentally Preferable Products. It also helps us comply with the goals of the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program, which earns us several points for credit EQ 1, aptly labeled EPA Indoor airPLUS. The colors we've chosen have pretty great names, like Into the Garden and Lady Vanessa.

Water Heater

Gas-powered tankless water heater

 

We've installed a tankless water heater as an energy-saving measure. Tankless water heaters use less energy than conventional heaters because they only heat water when hot water is demanded. Conventional tank heaters are always on, boiling the entire tank of water.