How we targeted LEED.
Site & landscape:
- Building a compact structure in an already developed area
- Proximity to community resources & transit services
- Proximity to park spaces
- Use of native, drought-tolerant plants
- Limiting the amount of grass
General construction:
- The construction of a highly durable building
- Using environmentally preferable materials
Energy conservation:
- Avoiding installation of a mechanical cooling system
- Energy modelling of the design prior to construction
- Considered window placement to maximize daylighting
- EnergyStar appliances
- An efficient heating system (and keeping that heat inside)
- Wiring rough-ins for future solar photovoltaic panels
Water conservation:
- Installation of low-flow bathroom & kitchen fixtures
- An efficient hot water distribution system
- Appliances that use water efficiently
- Considered irrigation for landscaping
- Plumbing rough-ins for future solar hot water
Indoor Air Quality:
- Installation of an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator)
- Hardwood & Marmoleum flooring - No carpets
- Natural ventilation (operable windows & stack effect)
- Radiant in floor heating to produce high quality heated air
- Use of low or no VOC interior finishes
Air tightness:
- A well-designed, high performance wall section
- Installation of superior quality windows
Third-Party testing of key areas.