USGBC – LEED Certified Home Projects in Houston

LEED For HomesComprehensive list of Certified LEED homes/residential projects in the Houston area.

(As of February 2012)

Project # | Provider | Builder | Rating | Date Certified

  1. 166 | Contects | GreenHaus Builders | Gold | January 9, 2008
  2. 408 | Contects | Avalon Place Projects |  Silver | September 26, 2008
  3. 1273 | Contects Virkus | Collaborative Design | Silver | April 23, 2009
  4. 1637 | Contects | Catama Builders | Silver | July 13, 2009
  5. 1638 | Contects | Catama Builders | Silver | July 13, 2009
  6. 1639 | Contects | Catama Builders | Silver | July 13, 2009
  7. 1640 | Contects | Catama Builders | Silver | July 13, 2009
  8. 1641 | Contects | Catama Builders | Silver | July 13, 2009
  9. 1642 | Contects | Catama Builders | Gold | July 13, 2009
  10. 1755 | Contects | Dovetail Builders | Platinum | September 18, 2009
  11. 2924 | Contects | Dovetail Builders | Silver | February 11, 2010
  12. 2925 | Contects | Virkus / Collaborative Design | Silver | February 11, 2010
  13. 3734 | Guaranteed Watt Saver | Kerry Galvin Homes, Inc. | Certified | August 16, 2010
  14. 3745 | IBS Advisors | Green Mode Designs | Gold | August 18, 2010
  15. 3960 | Contects | New Hope Housing | Platinum | October 8, 2010 (166 Low-Rise Multi-Family units)
  16. 4513 | Contects | Shade House Development | Gold | December 2, 2010
  17. 4850 | Contects | Mod-Fab | Certified | January 28, 2011
  18. 4996 | Contects | SSH Homes | Silver | March 29, 2011
  19. 4997 | Contects | SCM Construction | Gold | March 29, 2011
  20. 5447 | IBS Advisors | Horizon Group International | Silver | April 21, 2011
  21. 5448 | IBS Advisors | Horizon Group International | Silver | April 21, 2011
  22. 5793 | Contects | Martin Harris/State Construction | Silver | June 28, 2011
  23. 5815 | Contects | R&F Construction | Certified | June 27, 2011
  24. 5863 | Contects | Mainland Construction | Silver | July 29, 2011
  25. 5986 | Contects | InTown Homes | Certified | August 18, 2011
  26. 6034 | Contects | Catama Builders | Certified | September 23, 2011
  27. 6035 | Contects | Catama Builders | Certified | September 23, 2011
  28. 6036 | Contects | Catama Builders | Certified | September 23, 2011
  29. 6040 | Contects | Unika Construction| Silver | August 29, 2011
  30. 6045 | Contects | W.E. Gilbert | Certified | September 1, 2011
  31. 6137-6178 | Contects | Watermark Construction | Platinum | September 1, 2011

Source: USGBC LEED for Homes program

Houston’s newest LEED certified production home

Click to view larger versionGreen Mode Designs LLC successfully attains the US Green Building Councils certification for the project at 6120 Maxie St.  The home at Unit A achieved a LEED Gold level certification after complete review by IBS Advisors, Ontility and the US Green Building Council.

Highlights of this home include:

  • 56% improved energy efficiency over International Energy Conservation Code
  • 33% indoor water use reduction compared to conventional home
  • 89% construction waste diverted from landfill

View the LEED label to learn more about which areas the home was awarded points.

Benefits of a LEED-certified home

Benefits of a LEED Home from U.S. Green Building Council.

US Green Building Council – Houston Chapter

Green Mode Designs is now a member of the US Green Building Council Texas Gulf Coast – Houston Chapter.  (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council-Greater Houston Area Chapter is a chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, which is a national non-profit based in Washington, D.C.  The Houston chapter is a non-profit IRS Section 501(C) corporation organized exclusively to:

Accelerate the initiation, development and implementation of market-based green building policies, program technologies, design practices, and operation procedures;

To facilitate networking and communication among all interested parties on green building activities in the area served by the chapter as well as coordinate with green building efforts occurring nationwide and cooperating with the USGBC National and promote the USGBC LEED Rating System.

The Houston chapter collaborates with other organizations and non-profits of like mind to fullfil its mission and is operated by a Board of Directors that represents a cross-section of the Houston community.

The Houston Chapter provides initiatives, networking opportunities and general education to the public and its members. It hosts regular workshops to prepare professionals for the LEED AP exam and supports building owners who want to certify their buildings.

The Houston Chapter is funded solely through private donations and does not receive any federal or public funds.

Learn more about events and Houston Area projects at http://usgbchouston.org.

usgbc-texas gulf coast chapter

LEED for Homes FAQs for Home Buyers

Prepared by the US Green Building Council

Is a green home right for me?

If you would like a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for you and for your family, a green home is right for you. Green homes have lower utility bills, use less water, are associated with fewer asthma attacks, and are at lower risk for mold and mildew. Green homes are better for the environment, and they are affordable.

How are green homes good for the climate?

In the United States, our homes are responsible for 21% of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Living in a green  home means that you’re helping to stop the causes of climate change.
Why should I buy a LEED-certified home?

LEED is a nationally recognized, third-party certification system that’s based on measurable results. As such, LEED  recognizes the highest quality in green homebuilding. LEED-certified homes are energy efficient, use non-toxic  building materials, are water-smart, and respect the environment in which they’re constructed.

LEED was created and is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit environmental organization with  more than 14,000 member organizations dedicated to sustainability in building design and construction. The  certification system has been in use for more than seven years in commercial construction, and includes more than 3.2 Billion square feet of real estate currently seeking LEED certification. You can explore case studies on a variety of LEED-certified homes at www.thegreenhomeguide.org.

How will a LEED home benefit me?

The benefits of a LEED home include economic benefits such as lower energy and water bills; environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and health benefits such as reduced exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. LEED-certified homes may also be eligible for financial benefits such as lower fees for financing and lower insurance rates.
How can I compare a green home to a conventional home?

Think of LEED as a nutrition label for your home that gives you much greater confidence in specific features of your home that will contribute to your quality of life. LEED-certified green homes include a homeowner’s manual and a  LEED “scorecard” that reflects third-party verified information about your home’s energy performance, water savings, materials used in construction, and other features. Similar, third-party verified information is typically  not available  for conventionally constructed homes.

What types of homes are LEED certified?

The LEED for Homes certification system is tailored for the construction of market rate and affordable new single family or low-rise multi-family homes (like condos and garden apartments). Existing homes undergoing extensive renovations – down to the last studs on at least one side of each exterior wall – are also eligible to participate in the program.

What about remodeling projects?

USGBC and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) have partnered to create the REGREEN Program, which  are the first nationwide green residential remodeling guidelines for existing homes.

How can I purchase/build a LEED home?

Tell your realtor or builder that you want a LEED-certified home. Some markets now include whether a home is LEED-certified in MLS listings of homes for sale. You can also visit www.thegreenhomeguide.org to find a homebuilder participating in the LEED for Homes program in your area.
Do LEED-certified homes cost more?

LEED certification can fit into your family’s budget regardless of what it is. LEED certified homes include everything from luxury residences to Habitat for Humanity projects. Buying green and asking for LEED-certification is your  choice.


Are there any incentives?

Many local and state governments, utility companies and other entities across the country offer rebates, tax breaks and other incentives for green homes and for remodeling with green technologies.

Where can I find more information on green home building?

Visit www.thegreenhomeguide.org for comprehensive information and links to other great online resources.

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