Number of 'Green' Homes Continues Upward Trend

Sick of hearing about green this and green that? Well, here are some stats that might get your attention—and help you to understand how real this phenomenon is.

• According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), more than 20,000 homes across the U.S. have earned certification through the LEED for Homes program
• Nearly 79,000 more are in the pipeline
• Green homes in general are expected to grow to between 29% and 38% of the residential construction market by 2016, according to McGraw Hill Construction.

LEED for Homes is a national voluntary certification system that provides guidance and verification that homes are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient, and healthy for occupants. “LEED for Homes is moving the residential market further and faster towards high-performing, healthy homes that save residents money,” said Nate Kredich, vice president of residential market development, USGBC.

Landscaping plays a role. Landscape contractors can help builders attain LEED points in several ways. Some of the more popular include:

• Installing a rainwater harvesting system
• Installing a high-efficiency irrigation system
• Helping reduce overall irrigation demand by at least 45%
• Installing permeable lots
• Creating permanent erosion control systems
• Reducing heat island effect through things like shade trees and green roofs.