LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Homes and building are certified as LEED based on a rating system. This rating system encompasses a broad spectrum of criteria. Everything is considered from the location and size of the building to materials and process used to install them. LEED is also the only green type of certification that requires third party verification.  This third party verification consists of ensuring that strategies implemented through the design of the building and through construction achieve high levels of performance in the following five key areas:

• Sustainable Site Development
• Water Savings
• Energy Efficiency
• Materials Selection
• Indoor Environmental Quality

LEED-certified buildings are designed to:

• Lower operating costs and increase asset value
• Reduce waste sent to landfills
• Conserve energy and water
• Be healthier and safer for occupants
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions

One of the main advantages to LEED over other certifications is that it begins in the design phase. Before plans are drawn up the owners, architects, builder and key sub-contractors like HVAC, plumbing and electrical, meet to discuss the design and ways to make the home more efficient and livable. The synergy created in this type of process produces a home that is very livable, healthy, sustainable, and has less impact on the environment.

There are different levels of LEED Certification available for projects.  Attaining the base level of LEED Certified is quite an accomplishment.  From there, the LEED Certification levels grow increasingly more difficult to attain and take a tremendous attention to design and construction detail.  The next level would be LEED Silver; then LEED Gold; and the highest being LEED Platinum.  Very few buildings achieve this highest rating.  The Reserve on South Martin is being designed with the goal of achieving the highest possible certification.