Green Rating Systems

Thinking about a green rating for your new home or remodel? It’s important to know the different rating systems. In addition to building code enforcement, city and state agencies are now requiring some level of green building practice for new construction and substantial remodels.

The most two most widely used green rating systems for residential construction in California are:

GreenPoint Rating
GreenPoint Rated is administered by Build It Green as a green building rating system for new residential construction in California. Points are awarded across five different categories including energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor air quality, water conservation, and community.

Some individual building departments require new construction to meet standards set by the GreenPointRated checklist, but do not require actual certification.

• Cost of Green Point Rating for a new single-family home: Total $2,500-$2,800, including $400 certification fee, plus $2,100-$2,400 for the services of a rater
• Applies to: single-family or multi-family homes in California
• Comments: used to be the residential alternative to LEED certification
• More information: www.builditgreen.org

 

LEED Certification
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a program of the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification also awards points across five categories including energy efficiency, site planning, water management, material use, and indoor air quality.

While it was originally designed as a program for commercial office buildings, LEED now has a certification designation for residential design and construction as well.

• Cost of LEED-H certification for a single-family home: Total: $6,925-$10,525 Includes $225 for registration, $300 for certification, $400-$2,000 for the Provider, and $6,000-$8,000 for the services of a Green Rater.
• Applies to: building design and construction, building operation and maintenance, interior design and construction, homes, and neighborhood development throughout the U.S.
• Comments: most expensive form of green building rating
• Website: www.usgbc-ncc.org

If you're considering a green rating for your home, make sure you talk to several raters about the fees and services they offer. 

For the sake of comparison, the fees listed above are based on a medium-sized home. Green rater services for custom homes will vary considerably depending on the size of the home, the location, and the types of services required. Fees will also vary depending on the individual rater.