LEED for Homes Platinum- First in Northeast!

Cranberry Ridge, the LEED pilot home we completed in fall 2006, has received the highest rating allowable by the US Green Building Council.  The platinum rating was awarded to the project in April.  There are only two other projects in the country that have been awarded the platinum rating and this is quite an accomplishment.

LEED for Homes encourages buildings with small footprints and therefore gives additional points for little spaces.  We knew that Cranberry Ridge would lose points for having 3200 square feet.  Summary of points received:

Innovation and Design (9 points) We received points for having a third- party durability inspection and innovative, regional design. 

Location and Linkage (3 points) The project avoided an environmentally sensitive site.

Sustainable Sites (15 points) The landscaping was native and remained permeable.

Water Efficiency (10 points) The fixtures used in the home were of the highest efficiency.

Energy and Atmosphere (27 points) The project exceeded Energy Star requirements with third-party testing.

Materials and Resources (14 points) WR selected environmentally preferable products and used advanced framing techniques.

Indoor Environmental Quality (15 points) The project featured a high performance fireplace, a dedicated outdoor air system with heat recovery, sophisticated timing controls and a blower door test rating of 0.12.

Awareness and Education (2 points) A comprehensive homeowners manual was created and the home received public attention.

Carbon Collaborations

I came across another blog that contains contains commentary about carbon and the quest for reduction.  Check out the terrablog.  It is hosted by TerraPass, a non-profit founded by a UPenn professor, that finances projects utilizing solar, wind and biomass projects.  Impressive collaberations include their recent partnership with the Ford Motor Company.  Ford will now calculate the amount of CO2 produced by the consumer and suggest an amount to invest in renewable energy sources in order to offset their vehicle's carbon.  Businesses being proactive is a good step in the right direction.
On that note, I attended the Governor's Carbon Challenge reception this week with many other businesses leaders and individuals with sincere concern for the well-being of future generations.  I was impressed with their aggressive commitments to reduce their carbon footprint and emissions.  There are more than 50 businesses in the State, large and small, committed to this challenge.  It's a solid start by our State to address a global concern.