We’re hearing more and more about the “green” movement these days, particularly “green” buildings— and that includes new and existing homes. “LEED” (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a movement most likely to lead the way to more green in our environment that we’re also hearing more and more about.

LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. It’s been created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit group of 12,000 organizations from across the building industry that is advocating for new and existing structures that are environmentally responsible, are profitable, and are healthy places to live and work. Members include building owners and end users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building systems manufacturers, government agencies and nonprofits.

All building types are included, including LEED for Homes, a rating system that promotes design and construction of high-performance green homes. Green homes use less energy, water and other natural resources; create less waste; and provide healthier and more comfortable environments for those who live in them. Benefits of LEED homes include lower energy and water bills, reduced green house gas emissions, and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost, according to USGBC, of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of a conventional home. A LEED remodeling program to “regreen” existing homes is being developed by USGBC and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation.

PAMCANI recently formed its own Green Committee— which already has presented a seminar on the subject and will be doing even more in the future to address the green movement.