Why LEED Platinum Certification?
Our Personal Experience
LIVING IN OUR FIRST LEED PLATINUM USGBC HOME RADICALLY IMPACTED OUR FAMILY’S health for the better.
Within the first few years, we faced record wildfires that rendered outside air unhealthy, coinciding with the global Covid pandemic. Spending an unprecedented amount of time living and working in our home, we found solace in knowing our family’s health was not compromised. With an airtight building envelope, low-emitting materials, and a whole-house Heat Recovery Ventilator, we were assured that the air we breathed was clean; our home became the healthiest place we could be, even surpassing the natural landscape around us.
But here's the thing – while our experience validated the quality we put into our home, we've found that the average person has yet to grasp the importance of their home supporting their overall wellness, something that is so ingrained in our everyday lifestyle. We speak from experience that the homes we design and the cohesion of their systems hold the key to better health and a better environment.
THE CHALLENGE IS WORTH IT
While the rigorous effort of building in a responsible way presents challenges, including adding LEED’s third-party certification process and the extra upfront costs to construct a sustainable home, we find the expenses worth it in the long run. Ignoring the health implications of indoor spaces, where Vermonters spend ~75% of our time, poses far greater risks. Our process ensures that corners are not cut during design and construction, guaranteeing that the home will perform as intended, both from a health and energy perspective.
BEYOND THE PLAQUE
LEED Certification benefits go beyond a coveted plaque on the wall, higher property value, and lower operating costs. Studies show that students learn better in LEED-certified schools, and adults are more productive and healthier in LEED-certified workspaces. It’s logical to conclude that those living in sustainable homes experience similar physical and mental health benefits, leading to overall well-being. For us, this translated into fewer sick days, lower healthcare costs, better sleep, reduced stress, and more joy in everyday life.
Conclusion
A PROUD DISTINCTION
We are proud to say that all our homes have achieved prestigious LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level of certification in the LEED program. This distinction signifies that our homes have met exemplary standards of eco-friendliness, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. LEED Platinum homes are evaluated based on their performance in areas such as energy use, indoor air quality, sustainable site selection, and water efficiency, ensuring they represent the pinnacle of sustainable building design and construction.
Our Owner and Co-Founder, Scott Rank, is a LEED accredited professional who maintains his credential through continued education, ensuring we are always innovating. Not only are we technical experts in sustainable buildings, but we're committed to sharing the benefits and our knowledge with others.
We hope that our work encourages others to learn more about why wellness architecture is so important and, when possible, choose to work, learn, and live in these spaces. It is our mission to make healthy and sustainable homes more accessible and to educate and advocate for more progressive building practices.
Together, let's pave the way for a future where wellness homes are the norm, contributing to healthier communities and a more sustainable planet.
Have any thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below or contact us here.