
The world is changing- regional and global environmental problems have gained prominence, natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, people spend more time indoors, and consumers have higher expectations for comfort than ever before - but the way new homes are built has remained largely stagnant. This is a significant problem, as more than 1.5 million new homes are built each year and the typical home will last anywhere between 50 and 75 years. There are various strategies for driving progress, including upgrades to local building codes and increased minimum efficiency standards for equipment. While these approaches are very effective, they require considerable time and political will. One approach that has gained attention is market transformation through the creation of voluntary labeling programs. The EPA's ENERGY STAR program is an example of such a program. In this talk, Dr. King will discuss a new program that strives to transform the homebuilding market: the US Green Building Council's LEED for Homes program. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and the LEED for Homes program follows in the footsteps of the acclaimed New Commercial (LEED-NC) program. Dr. King will present the basic framework of the LEED for Homes program, and describe some of the goals and strategies of a typical green home.