LEED for Homes Frequently Asked Questions
Davis Energy Group Consulting Services
What services does DEG provide?
We provide certification services related to the LEED for Homes Program. Other consulting services include green residential consulting, HVAC technologies, and energy modeling. For a full range of our services, please contact us.
Can you help me design the green options for my home?
Yes, however, that would be handled in a separate consulting contract. LEED for Homes program fees only includes the verification process.
Can you recommend a green consultant?
DEG does green consulting or we will be happy to pass your contact information on to our Reps in your area. You can search the Green Professional Directory available through Build It Green at: www.builditgreen.org.
LEED for Homes Process
What is LEED for Homes?
LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes including affordable housing, production homes, custom designs, duplexes, townhouses, and condominiums and lofts in historic buildings. Under LEED for Homes is the Mid-rise pilot consisting of building with 4 to 6 stories.
Who can apply for LEED for Homes?
LEED for Homes is available for anyone building a home, up to six stories high and for gut rehabs.
How does the program work?
First all applicants must fill out an application form. It is then reviewed and if accepted, will be assigned a Representative. The Representative will then contact you to set up a preliminary checklist meeting. The Rep will then be your main point of contact throughout the LEED process.
I’m remodeling my home; can I get it LEED certified? I’m adding an addition to my home; can I get it LEED certified?
Remodeling projects are accepted only if they are down to the studs or foundation. Because a home cannot be partially certified, we cannot accept additions unless the whole home is being remodeled.
I’m building a modular/prefab home; can I get it LEED certified?
We can certify individual modular/prefab homes only on the site due to the LEED requirements in "Location and Linkages" and "Sustainable Sites" categories.
I’m a modular/prefab home manufacturer; can I get my products LEED certified?
LEED does not certify individual products.
When is the best time to submit my application?
The best time to submit an application is during the design phase, prior to the completion of design documents.
How long does it take to process my application?
Please give us 3 to 4 weeks to process your application.
What do you look at when reviewing my application? What qualifies me for LEED?
We look at the green building experience of the project team and the project attributes.
How long is the process?
Projects are generally accepted in the design phase and will run until the home is completed.
I live in Hawaii, can you certify my home? What about my home in Mexico?
Currently, DEG only certifies projects in California and Nevada. Please visit www.greenhomeguide.org for a list of Providers. For Hawaii, contact Randy Hansell at Earth Advantage at (503) 968-7160, ext. 16. LEED for Homes is only available in the United States and Canada. For other countries, please contact the USGBC.
I need a letter to fast-track my project through my city’s planning/building department. Can you help me?
We are happy to provide our registered projects with a letter to expedite their project through their city planning department. Please contact your Rep for details.
My project is taller than 6 stories. Can I get in the LEED for Homes Program?
Projects that are 7 stories or taller fall under the LEED-NC program. Please contact USGBC for more details.
I need to attend an Orientation. When are they held?
Orientations are held throughout the state. All projects that have been accepted into the program receive an e-mail about the next available orientation.
Where can I get a LEED for Homes checklist and manual?
The checklist is available in PC and Mac form.
The manual is available here.
Both are also available on USGBC’s website at www.greenhomeguide.org or www.usgbc.org.
Do I have to be a member of USGBC to participate in LEED for Homes?
No, through you are welcome to become a USGBC member at the national or local level. For a list of chapters, visit: USGBC Chapters
I have another project I want to get LEED certified. What do I do?
You will have to fill out another application for your new project.
LEED for Homes Costs
What is the cost/fee for doing LEED?
There is an initial application fee of $500, which is applied to your project. Fees are based on square footage, number of units and number of floorplans. They do not include consulting for your project. Please contact us for additional information. We do not accept credit cards.
What fees does USGBC charge?
USGBC charges fees for registration and certification of your project. For the current fees click here.
If my project is not accepted into the program or I can’t afford the fees, do I get my deposit back?
Projects that are not accepted into the program will have their check returned to them.
Are there any rebates/incentives available for building a LEED Home?
USGBC has a list of links for rebates and incentives, including Energy Star, at Incentives at Green Home Guide. You can also check your local government, water and utilities for additional incentives.
LEED for Homes Representatives and Raters
What is a Rep/Representative? What do they do?
A Rep is a subcontractor to or employee of Davis Energy Group. They are assigned projects in their area and work with the builder to get the home LEED certified. They are responsible for submitting the documentation needed for LEED certification, scheduling the Rater’s inspections, and working with the project team throughout the LEED process
What is a Rater? What do they do?
A Rater is a subcontractor to or employee of DEG who does the LEED visual inspections on your project. They are also HERS raters.
I live in Southern California; do I have to use a Rep and Rater from Davis?
We have many Reps throughout California and Nevada. A Rep from your area will be assigned to your project.
I would like to work as a Rep and/or Rater in the LEED program. What do I need to do?
Please send a resume and cover letter to leed@davisenergy.com. For Raters, you must already be a HERS rater.
I am a LEED AP, do I need to work through a Provider for my project?
Yes, all LEED for Homes projects need to work through a Provider.
General Questions
What is HERS/CHEERS?
HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System Program. Its purpose is to certify home energy rating services in California. The goal of the program is to provide reliable information to differentiate the energy efficiency levels among California homes and to guide investment in cost-effective home energy efficiency measures.
CHEERS® (California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services) is a California statewide 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency. Founded in 1990, CHEERS® was approved in 1999 by the California Energy Commission as the first home energy rating provider under the Home Energy Rating System Regulations. It has an independent Board of Directors representing utilities, environmental and energy conservation and consulting groups. To find a CHEERS rater in your area go to the CHEERS website.
What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help everyone save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Energy efficient choices can save homeowners about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. For more information, visit Energy Star.
What is Energy Star for California?
Energy Star Qualified Homes built in California must be at least 15% more energy efficient than the energy code under which they were permitted. Homes must be inspected by a CEC certified third party HERS Rater. For more information, visit Energy Star in California.
What is Title 24?
Title 24 refers to the code in the California Code of Regulations regarding California’s Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings. The standards were established in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California’s energy consumption. All LEED homes must be 15 percent above Title 24 in order to be certified.
Can you do the Title 24 or Energy Star ratings for me?
DEG can do the Title 24 and Energy Star work in a contract separate from LEED for Homes. Please contact our office for more information.
LEED for Homes vs. Other LEED Programs
What is LEED-ND?
LEED-ND stands for Neighborhood Development. The program is currently in pilot and closed. Please contact USGBC for more details.
My project is in LEED-ND. Am I automatically enrolled in LEED for Homes?
No. You must also fill out an application for your project with your Provider.
Should I use LEED-NC or LEED for Homes for my project?
For single family, custom or production homes, LEED for Homes is required. Multi-family projects, especially those that are multi-story, can use either or both. Projects seven stories or higher must register with LEED-NC.
Marketing Questions
What are the benefits of having a LEED certification?
Building green benefits you, your family, your wallet and the environment. LEED certification is aimed at the top 25 percent of homebuilders. USGBC has more benefits listed at Green Home Guide
What is USGBC?
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. USGBC is composed of more than 12,000 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and 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 system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Where can I find my local USGBC chapter?
You can find your local USGBC Chapter here: USGBC chapters
Can you give me a list of LEED certified and or registered projects?
USGBC posts a list of certified projects at USGBC certified projects.
I want to market/promote/publicize my LEED Home, can you help me with marketing materials?
USGBC sends a packet with logos and press releases after the Builder Agreement has been accepted. Additional packets are available to registered participants from our office.
Can I get my eco-friendly product LEED certified?
LEED does not certify or promote individual products.