As LEED AP, I certified a small commercial project (GOLD & ZEB) and a school (GOLD) - both in the last 4 years. Our design firm does very little residential.
I am now working on designing my own home, and decided to investigate the process of LEED certification. My assumption was that as LEED AP, I could submit most (if not all) of the documentation as I had done in the other previous projects. I am trying to learn about "Green Raters" and "Providers". As a licensed architect with LEED experience, is there any way for me to pursue LEED certification for my home without hiring other design professionals? If not, does anyone care to guess at a budget estimate for these required services for a 3K square foot home in Central Florida?
Although I've considered it, I'm not convinced it makes sense for me to pursue becoming a Green Rater because I would not likely be involved in 2 projects every 2 years.
What exactly is the difference between a Green Rater, a LEED AP for Homes, and a Provider?
Any insight would be helpful, Thanks!
Phil Vanderloo
PresidentHiline Builders Inc.
6 thumbs up
July 5, 2013 - 12:05 pm
Hi Tim,
I am a LEED AP BD&C and LEED AP for Homes myself, and also a General Contractor in N. California.
You will be required to hire a Provider and Green Rater as these are necessary in the implementation of LEED for Homes Certification.
It's quite a different process than LEED NC or Schools.
I'm not sure if hiring an Accredited Proffessional for Homes is required, but I do know that you aren't able to receive the credit for having a LEED AP on the design team unless he or she is a LEED AP for Homes.
As far as pricing, I'm sure it varies quite a bit by region, (and square footage), but you can expect to pay between 2500-4,000 here for The Provider and Green Rater's services.
Hope that helps and best of luck with your project.
Phil Vanderloo,
President,
Hiline Builders Inc.
www.hilinebuilders.com
Brett Little
Education ManagerGreenHome Institute
3 thumbs up
July 8, 2013 - 8:29 am
Hello Tim.
If you want to learn more about LEED for Homes and the differences between the AP, the Green Raters VS Commissioning agents and Midrise VS commercial, I would recommend checking out the HOMES 252: Understanding LEED for Homes course at the end of this month.
http://www.alliancees.org/education-and-events/homes-252-understanding-l...
I realize it is in Michigan but we have many that come from all over the country.
Make sure to reach out to your local provider.
Binh Duong
LEED AP BD+CUrbanGreen
1 thumbs up
March 11, 2014 - 12:51 pm
Hi Phil & LEED User,
I am designing 2 villas overseas, targeting LEED Homes. If Raters and Providers are required, and the country does not have Raters and Providers, will this means some raters will have to travel overseas to inspect the residence before the project can get reviewed and later certified as LEED Homes?
Your early reply is appreciated.
Best,
Paul B Duong
Mika Kania
LEED AssociateUSGBC
March 11, 2014 - 2:47 pm
Hi Phil,
Yes that is the case- a Green Rater will have to travel to the project site at least twice during construction to do the required on-site verification in order for the LEED for Homes project to be certified.
Best,
Binh Duong
LEED AP BD+CUrbanGreen
1 thumbs up
March 11, 2014 - 10:46 pm
Hi Mika,
Who will pay for the 2 round trips + accommodation normally - the project owner or the LEED architect in charge of LEED Homes process? On top of LEED documentation hours, this is something, I think, will hinder residential owners from getting their homes LEED certified.
Best,