Featured Tips and Product GuideSave Money, Save Energy

2011

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1. Message from the experts at USGBC’s GreenHomeGuide.com .. 2

2. Save on Heating and Cooling– Roofing tips by GAF .................. 4

3. Save on Water – tips and products by Kohler ................................. 7

4. Save Energy with Total Home Control – tips and products by Lutron ...................................10

5. Environmentally Responsible Paint Solutions –products by Sherwin-Williams ................................. 13

6. Durable Flooring – beautiful flooring products by Teragren ... 15

7. More from USGBC and the LEED approach to green building. ...... 17

8. USGBC Raising Money for Project Haiti ...................................... 18

You Will Find:

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From the experts at U.S. Green Building Council’s GreenHomeGuide There are many very real benefits to living in a green home, and every day, more and more A­mericans are discovering those benefits. Green homes are healthier, more durable and more cost-effective. That’s why green homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by 2010. Owning or renting a green home is good for your health, your wallet and our environment.A­ green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and is health-ier for the people living inside compared to a conventional home. It’s as simple as that!A­ green makeover can happen all at once, or it can be a gradual process. But what it all

comes down to is a new way of thinking—and a new way of liv-ing. From a more energy-efficient kitchen to a tree-filled backyard paradise, your home can be green top to bottom, front to back, inside and out. A­nd it doesn’t matter whether you rent or own, live in an apartment or single-family home, or live in the city, the suburbs or the country.The U.S. Green Building Council has put together a robust practical approach to green home living. Their experts are in touch with all aspects of everyday living and how green living can impact your budget and your environmental footprint. A­s well as a detailed Green Home Guide for everyday living. Making your home a greener place is a commitment to yourself, your family, your community, and the world. But more than that, it is a learning process. A­s exciting new technologies, products, and scientific breakthroughs constantly emerge, staying educated on the hows—as well as the whys—of maintaining a green home is the best way to ensure your efforts are as effective and beneficial as possible.

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A Healthier Home• Greenhomes’useoftoxin-free

buildingmaterialshelpscom-batindoorairpollution,whichcanbemuchworsethanout-doorpollution.Unhealthyairinsidecanposeserioushealthrisksforyourfamily.

• Naturalventilationingreenhomes,aswellasuseofme-chanicalventilationsystemstofilter and bring fresh air inside andventstaleairoutside,keepfamiliesbreathingeasy.

A Cost-Efficient Home• Monthaftermonth,people

wholiveingreenhomessavemoneybyconsuminglessen-ergyandlesswaterthanstan-dardhomes.Overtheyears,thataddsuptobigsavings.

• Ahealthierhomecanmeanfewerdoctor’svisitsandfewerdaysofmissedwork.

• Soonitwillcostlesstoinsureagreenhomethanastandardhome.Anincreasingnumberofinsurancecompaniesareofferingdiscountsonpoli-ciescoveringgreenhomes.

Similarly,severalmortgagecompaniesofferdiscountedloanratesforhomebuyersbuyinggreen.

• Agreenhomeisoftenmoredurablethanastandardhomebecauseofitshigh-qualitybuildingmaterialsandconstructionprocesses,requiringfewerrepairs.

• Thevalueofagreenhomeisoftenhigherthanthatofacomparablestandardhome,andthemarketdemandforgreenhomescontinuestorise.TheSolaire,agreenresidentialhigh-riseinNewYorkCity,bringsinrents10%to15%higherthanmarketrates,andinRocklin,Calif.,the LEED-certified homes in theCarstenCrossingsdevel-opmentoutsoldthecompeti-tiontwotoone.

• Local,state,andfederalgovernmentsareincreasinglyofferingtaxbreaksandotherincentivesforbuildingLEEDhomesoraddinggreenfea-turestoyourhome.

An Environmentally Friendly Home• Residentialcoolingand

heatingalonemakeup20%oftheUnitedStates’yearlyenergyuse.Throwinhouseholdlighting,appliances,andotherelectronicequipment,andhomesareamajorsourceofenergyconsumption.Mostofthatenergycomesfromgreenhousegasproducerslikeoilandcoal,contributingtoglobalclimatechange.Greenhomesuse40%lessenergythancomparablestandardhomes.

• Enhanceyourgreenhomeandsaveevenmoreenergywithlightingcontrols,automatedwindowshades,temperatureandsmallappliancecontrols.

• Somegreenhomesfurtherreduceourdependenceonconventionalenergysourcesastheygeneratesomeoralloftheirenergyneedsthroughalternativeenergysourceslikethesun,wind,geothermalenergyandbiomass.

• Efficient plumbing and bath fixtures, drought-tolerant land-scapingandwater-conservingirrigationsystemshelpgreenhomesuselesswaterthanstandardhomes.

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Save on Heating and Cooling – Roofing tips by GAF GA­F is committed to the protec-tion of your most valuable as-set, Your Home! GA­F A­dvanced Protection Shingle provide the very best combination of weight and performance that modern manufacturing technology can deliver. In fact, no one makes a better asphalt shingle for tough-ness, granule adhesion, wind uplift resistance, flexibility and fire resistance.A­ccording to the Institute for Business & Home Safety, more than 60% of all homes in the U.S. are vulnerable to damage from high winds. That’s why GA­F’s A­dvanced Protection shingles are leading the way to ensure your protection. Our special Dura Grip® adhesive seals our shingles so tightly, they pass the industry’s

two toughest wind resistance tests of 110 miles per hour and 150 miles per hour. GA­F is the first manufacturer to have all of its shingles pass these two critical wind resistance tests. Since wind from hurricanes and tornadoes cause more than $6 billion each year in property damage, you need all the protection you can get.

GAF Shingles are Environmentally FriendlyFew major building systems contribute to green building in as many ways as the roof does. A­ professionally installed asphalt shingle roofing system can in-crease your home’s durability by controlling moisture, help improve energy efficiency, support renew-able energy, and help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of ice dams via proper attic ventilation. A­nd at the end of its long service life, asphalt shingle roofing is widely recycled into asphalt pavement, meaning that in many cases your old roof can become a new road. Learn more about GA­F products and sustainability efforts a www.gaf.com.

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Product Picks

GAF Advanced Protection Shingles Cool Series Product Information >>

Now get potential energy savings (and even tax credits) when you install GA­F Timberline® Cool Series Shingles. Thanks to modern reflective technology, you can join the green revolution with Cool Series roofing shingles. Our highly reflective shingles can help to reduce temperatures in your attic, so your home will stay cooler in the summer—to save on air conditioning costs. Our Cool Series shingles use specially-designed roofing granules that have greater reflectance than traditional shingles. The result is minimized heat transfer to the space below—to keep you cooler in the summer. Not only that, Timberline® Cool Series shingles are made with the patented Stain-Guard® algae protection to assure the beauty of your roof against unsightly blue-green algae!

Get help planning with our Free Tools

Try out Shingle Styles & Colors on a Home like yours using our FREE Virtual Home Remodeler! Click to Start Now! >>

Spend your money wisely and get the right roof for your home with our FREE Quick & Easy Roof Wizard tool. A­nswer 4 easy questions and get a recommendation on what is right for your needs! Click to Start Now! >>

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Green Roofing Residential >>Timberline Cool Shingles >>A­ttic Vents Roof Ventilation >>

Key elements of LEED that relate to the roof• Energy• Energy Efficiency• Solar Energy• Garden Roofing• Daylighting • Recycling• Recycling on the jobsite• Recycled content• Durability• Indoor Environmental Quality• Regional Priority• Stormwater • Heat Island Effect• Rainwater Catchment

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3. Change out the showerhead to a WaterSense showerhead or handshower - KOHLER 1.75 gpm water-conserving showerheads and handshow-ers deliver an impressive 35% water savings over traditional 2.75 gpm showerheads and handshowers.

With some A­merican households using upwards of 400 gallons of water per day, there are ample opportunities to save water using everyday fixtures, faucets and ap-pliances. Replacing old faucets by installing new KOHLER aerated faucets, high efficiency toilets and 1.75 gpm showerheads can help you to get started.

Save on Water - tips and products by KohlerThree easy green-your-home tips brought to you by Kohler®

1. Change out the toilet to a WaterSense label toilet -KOHLER Toilets that flush 1.28 gallons or less, when compared to a 3.5-gallon toilet, can save homeowners up to 16,500 gallons of water per fixture per year. Based on average usage of a household of four

2. Change out the lavatory faucet to a WaterSense label faucet- Small in size, big on impact, KOHLER faucets with low-flow aerators deliver up to 45% water savings over traditional 2.75 gpm faucets.

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Products Picks - Save money in a beautiful way! Saving money on your water bill has never been more stylish than with these products from Kohler®.

Forte Product Details

ArcherProduct Details

KelstonProduct Details

ArcherProduct Details

KarbonProduct Details

ObloProduct Details

PuristProduct Details

Purist showerheadProduct Details

Purist handshowerProduct Details

Forte showerhead Product Details

Forte handshowerProduct Details

WellworthProduct Details

CimarronProduct Details

SaileProduct Details

HighlineProduct Details

San RaphaelProduct Details

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More on saving water from Kohler®

• Howmuchwatercanyousave?Takeourquickandeasyquiztofindout how water-savy you are!

Start Now! >>

• Water Calculator - How do you compare? Use this calculator to see how you compare to other U.S. households

on water consumption. Start Now! >>

• Learn more about the Save Water America Program Learn More! >>

Kohler Co. is proud to be a three-time recipient of EPA WaterSense awards, including the 2009 and 2008 WaterSense Manufacturing Partner of the Year. In 2010, Kohler received an inaugural WaterSense Excellence Award for strategic collaboration. Kohler has been recognized for its commitment to advancing the WaterSense mission. Kohler promoted the following exciting events and programs in support of water conservation.

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2. Lights Off When Not in Use! Using sensors to turn lights off and on automatically ensures lights are only used when needed. Occupancy/vacancy sensors are ideal for rooms where lights are often inad-vertently on, such as a child’s room or laundry room. Daylight sensors not only save energy, they automatically dim the lightswhenthereissufficientdaylight coming into a room, providing that perfect balance of electric light and daylight.Learn more about Lutron Sensors >>

3. Use Windows to Save $$ At the touch of a button, auto-mated shades and draperies block the suns energy to help control the light and tempera-ture in a room. These solutions help lower cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in winter making your home more comfortable and energy efficient.Availableinawidevariety of styles, fabrics and colors to match any décor or budget.

Learn more about Lutron Window Solutions >>

Products PicksSave Energy with Total Home Control Learn More >>

Save Energy with Total Home Control Solutions – for your home.Tips from the experts at Lutron on saving energy in a single room or your entire home.

1. Dimming Saves! Dimming lights saves energy while setting the right light level to improve mood, create ambiance or match any task. Until recently, dimmers usually only worked with incandescent lightbulbs. But now there are dimmersspecificallydesignedto work with CFL and LED dimmable bulbs. Integrating both dimmers and energy ef-ficientbulbsintoyourhome’slighting plan will help save energy and money. See Lutron® Dimming Products >>

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• Occupancy sensors can save up to 20% on lighting energy costs. Occupancy/va-cancy sensors are ideal for rooms where lights are often inadvertently on, such as a child’s room or laundry room. Daylight sensors not only save energy, they automatically dim the lights when there is suf-ficientdaylightcomingintoaroom.

• Eliminating stand-by power can save up to 10% on electricity costs. The plug-in appliance module offers the ultimate in convenience – just plug it in and turn off standby power from a keypad or PicoTM wireless control. Standby power can also be turned off automatically when a room is unoccupied when the module is working in conjunction with an occupancy/vacancy sensor.

Save Energy with Lutron®

Since 1961, we’ve been designing industry-leading technology that saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Our light controls and shading solu-tions, installed in both commercial and residential spaces, have re-duced electrical use by 9.2 billion kWh and have also reduced CO2 emissions.* Today, our solutions have expanded to include temper-ature and small appliance control.

Whether your goal is to create an energy-efficienthomeortoreduceenergy costs at the workplace, you can trust Lutron’s unrivaled quality and innovative technolo-gies. Visit www.lutron.com.

Home Energy Solutions:Transform your home and save energy. Calculate your savings >>

• All dimmers save energy, the more you dim the more you save. Every time you dim the lights you save energy. Lutron has dimmers that work with all types of light sources, from incandescent and halogen to dimmablecompactfluorescent(CFL) and dimmable LEDs.

• Adjusting shades can save 10-30%* on HVAC costs. Lutron shading systems provide precision control of daylight and help to conserve energy by controlling cooling costs in summer and heating cost in winter. In addition to their energy-savingbenefits,theyprovide added privacy and en-hance security, while protecting furnishings and wood surfaces from harmful UV rays. Lutron automated window solutions can be effortlessly controlled using keypads, IR remotes, or wireless tabletop controls and they are available in a variety of styles, such as, roller and ro-man shades, drapery systems, venetian blinds and skylight shades.

• Regulating temperature can save up to 16%* on HVAC costs. Add Lutron temperature control for increased conve-nience and energy savings. Control temperature from keypads, mobile devices, occupancy sensors, and an energy-saving schedule. The three-part product design puts each component where it makes sense. seeTemp® can be mounted in locations which would not normally be appropriate for a thermostat, such as exterior walls and sunny spaces. The wireless temperature sensor is easy to position and allows the tem-perature to be measured in the optimum location and the HVAC controller installs out-of-sight.

Wantmoreenergyfacts&figures?Learn more >>

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Add light control to a front entry and you’ll never have to walk into a dark home. With a PicoTM Wireless control, you can turn on lights before you even get out of your car. You don’t even have to turn your lights on full bright—you still have the option of dimming them and saving more energy. You can also turn exterior and hallway lights off from your bedside to ensure they are not accidentally left on all light. Learn more about wireless light control >>

The kitchen often has plenty of windows, so it’s an ideal room for daylight control. A daylight sensor orchestrates the perfect balance of electric light and daylight by dimming lights and adjusting automated shades based on the amount of daylight entering the room. Learn more >>

A family room is the perfect area for appliance control. Use the plug-in appliance module to avoid wasting energy when electronics aren’t in use. You can turn off standby power from a wireless control or it can be turned off automatically when you leave a room via an occupancy/vacancy sensor. Learn more >>

Join us in our commitment to saving energy.S­ince 1961, we’ve been designing industry-leading technology that saves energy and reduces green-house gas emissions. Today, our solutions have expanded to include temperature and small appliance control. www.lutron.com >>

Installing temperature control in the master bedroom means you can conveniently lower a room’s tem-perature at night. And a simple press of the “All off” button ensures all your house lights are off. In addi-tion, automated shades help lower cooling costs in summer and heating costs in winter. Learn more >>

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Our products that carry the GreenSure® designation offer maximum performance, long-term durability and were designed and manufactured taking steps to re-duce environmental impact and to meet or exceed the most stringent regulatory requirements.

Using coatings with zero of low VOCs does not mean you have to sacrifice performance. We have a variety of green options that de-liver the quality and aesthetics our customers have come to expect for over 145 years.

Environmentally Responsible Paint Solutions – products by Sherwin-WilliamsSherwin-Williams is committed to offering the most comprehensive selection of paints and continually develops new products and pro-cesses that reduce the impact on nature. We’ve pioneered the use of environmentally responsible solutions and we are putting our green ideas to work.

We believe the optimal green coating should do two things: minimize the impact on the en-vironment and deliver maximum performance. So we’ve developed the GreenSure® designation to help you identify the products that meet our highest green coating standards.

Looking for paint products that reduce impact on the environment? Ask Sherwin-Williams.We share your concerns about protecting the environment. The Sherwin-Williams commitment reaches beyond environmentally responsible paint products and extends throughout our laborato-ries, manufacturing facilities and distribution systems.

• For greater efficiency in plant operations, we’re implement-ing manufacturing procedures that focus on waste reduction, recycling and zero discharge processes.

• We’re investing in research and development of advanced coatings that use sustainable raw materials such as soy-beans and sunflower oils.

• We’re increasing the use of sustainable plastic paint con-tainers, recycled labels and biodegradable shopping bags.

• We’ve streamlined national distribution processes, helping to conserve fuel, energy and other natural resources

• We’ve formulated many of our coatings to clean easily and to resist mold or mildew growth on the paint film, thus helping to improve the indoor and outdoor environments

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Green, it’s more than a color.

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Duration Home® Interior Acrylic LatexWith Duration Home, you’ll enjoy long-lasting durability, ideal for high-activity areas like kitchens, hallways, and bath-rooms. Choose from multiple

sheens and colors for that perfect washable latex finish. Duration Home carries the Sherwin-Williams’ GreenSure designation.

Why you’ll love it: • Longest-lasting stain resistance • Washable latex coating that allows most stains to

wipe clean with water • Outstanding burnish resistance, even with bold

colors • Antimicrobial formula resists mildew growth • Low VOC and low odor formula • Longest-lasting beauty and protection • Has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval • All colors available in all sheens: matte, satin and

semi-gloss Learn more >>

Harmony® Interior Acrylic LatexWith Harmony paint, you get excellent quality with the ulti-mate in “green” performance. This water-based paint is low-odor with zero VOCs*, and

gives your walls a washable, durable finish, with-out having to worry about mildew growth. Harmony is perfect for use in children’s rooms or a nursery, and can even be applied to occupied rooms without causing disruption to your daily routine. The new enhanced Harmony formula contains Odor Eliminat-ing Technology to reduce common household room odors!

Why you’ll love it • Low odor and zero VOC* formula • Ideal for use in children’s rooms or a nursery • Can also be applied in occupied rooms without

causing disruption • Highest indoor air quality ratings • Anti-microbial—inhibits growth of mildew • Available in a primer and flat, eg-shel and semi-

gloss finishes • Has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval • Now with patented Odor Eliminating Technology

to reduce common household room odors Learn more >>*Some colors may not be zero VOC after tinting with conventional colorants.

GreenSure Product Picks

Helpful Tools from Sherwin-Williams• Calculate just how much paint you need! Start Now >>• Easy Inspiration! Find a color that inspires you? Snap it on your smart phone and use our FREE

ColorSnap® tool to match real-world colors with paint colors! Start Now >>

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Moisture resistant! Bamboo is more resistant to mois-ture than hardwoods, that means less contraction and expansion with changes in humidity levels—during installation and throughout the life of the floor, even in humid or dry climates.

FloorScore®-certifiedTeragren’s products ensure the highest indoor air quality for you and your family. The FloorScore® program, in conjunction with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), rigorously tests and certifies flooring products for compliance with indoor air quality emission requirements adopted in California (the California Section 01350 program, which dictates the maximum emission concen-trations for 78 different Volatile Organic Compounds). Certified

Beautiful, Durable, Renewable Bamboo® Flooring by Teragren Why Bamboo?Quality bamboo is durable! The hardness of bamboo that is key to durability is established by the Janka ball test. The Janka ball test measures the force required to embed in the wood a .444-inch steel ball to a depth of half the ball’s diameter. For instance, Teragren Signature Naturals flooring averages a Janka rating of 1921. By comparison, white oak registers 1360, North A­merican maple, 1450. Teragren Synergy and Portfolio strand bamboo flooring with Xcora™ technol-ogy, made with our optimized manufacturing process, is rated at 3271. (View hardwood hardness comparison chart.)

products qualify for use in high performance schools and offices and are recognized as contribut-ing to good indoor air quality in order to protect human health.

For Teragren bamboo flooring, stair parts, trim, worktops, panels and veneer, we use only Opti-mum 5.5® Moso bamboo (Phyl-lostachys pubescens) known for its dense fibers and grown in the Zhejiang province of China. We also require that the bamboo is sustainably harvested at maturity, every 5-1/2 to 6 years. With these specifications, we avoid product performance problems like cup-ping and warping associated with young, soft and often inexpensive bamboo that is harvested too soon. A­s a result, Teragren prod-ucts are exceptionally durable and our source plants remain vigorous and healthy, harvest after harvest.

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1. Teragren® Portfolio Collection wide-plank, high-traffic strand bamboo flooring

5” x 72-1/2” x 1/2” with easy self-locking system discover the Portfolio Collection in ten designer colors and textures by Teragren offering a beautiful, durable and environmentally responsible alter-native to precious rainforest hard-woods. Portfolio strand bamboo wide plank flooring with Xcora™ technology is 154% harder than red oak – ideal for high-traffic areas. Find favorites that complement your décor in our collection of 10 designer colors and textures, in-cluding two handscraped options. Installation is simple and straight-forward with the patented Välinge 2G fold-down, self-locking system. Just drop and lock each plank in place for a tight, clean seam that doesn’t require glue, staples, or nails. See our coordinating Portfo-lio stair parts and flooring trim for the finishing touch.Teragren Portfolio Collection – NEW COUNTRY >>

2. Teragren Synergy® strand bamboo flooring with Xcora™ technology

Synergy® strand bamboo floor-ing is 154 percent harder than red oak, making it perfect for high-traf-fic areas in both residential and commercial settings. Synergy® is available in four distinctive blends of bamboo strands—Wheat (natural), Chestnut (caramelized), Java (light and dark caramelized strands) and Brindle, a beautiful blend of natural and caramelized strands. Teragren Synergy® strand bam-boo flooring – CHESTNUT >>

3. Teragren BambooCountertops

Teragren’s bamboo worktops are a beautiful and durable alternative to traditional hardwoods for kitch-en and bath countertops, kitchen islands and table tops. Manufac-tured to exacting standards for quality and environmental safety, these furniture-grade products are made with Optimum 5.5® Moso bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource. A­vailable in Parquet Butcher Block, Traditional and Strand either unfinished or prefin-ished with a mineral oil/beeswax finish.

Teragren Traditional Countertop in vertical grain caramelized >>Get our full Product Brochure >>See product samples >>

Products PicksNot all Bamboo flooring is created equal! Sustainably harvested Optimum 5.5® Moso bamboo >>

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More from USGBC and Green Home GuideThe future of homes is green. Homes of the future – no matter what size - are efficient, comfort-able, healthy, sustainable, afford-able & hold their value longer. Other topics from the experts at U.S. Green Building Council,

1. Alternative Energy – the two most established right now:

• Solar >> • Geothermal >>

2. Landscaping • Sustainable landscaping

(priority piece) >> • Lawns (some interesting

pickups – given summer season) >>

3. Greywater/water reclamation You may have heard that

“greywater systems,” which reuse water from sinks, show-ers, laundry, and other non-toi-let drains, can help you reduce water use. It can also save money on water and sewer charges, improve landscape and garden irrigation, or prolong the life of your septic tank.

But knowing where to start isn’t easy. Here’s our guide to “going grey” no matter what your budget.

Learn More on how to save water at home. >>

4. Financing (a green home) & Costs

• Costs of going green read more >>

• Appraising a green home (making sure you get proper value) read more >>

• Incentives read more >>

USGBC’s LEED Rating System The LEED rating system is

today’s most comprehensive and unique approach to green building. Here are four reasons why:

• LEED promotes a “whole building” approach to construction recogniz-ing a home’s greenness by measuring its performance across energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and the types of building materials.

• LEED certified homes use less energy and water, have lower utility bills and have higher indoor air quality as reported by many families.

• LEED homes are certified by a third party. They are inspected and certified so that you have assurance in your green home.

• Building professionals devel-oped LEED. It leverages their collective expertise in ways that enable consistent and comprehensive sustainable building.

• LEED allows for customiza-tion. Your LEED home is constructed to meet your needs, including those re-lated to climate variations and design. LEED is today’s most established approach to green building. Globally, more than 1 million square feet are being certified each day - schools, hospitals, offices, shopping centers and homes. No other approach to sustainable build-ing comes close.

• Score your home with the LEED for Homes Scoring Tool. >>

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In 2010, the island nation of Haiti was nearly destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake and dozens of deadly aftershocks. Today, the children of Haiti still need our help. With Project Haiti, we will construct a LEED® certified Orphanage and Children’s Center in Port au Prince, Haiti. Your contributions are tax deductible and 100 percent of the funds donated will be used for the construction of this facility. To learn more or to make a much needed contribution, please visit us. >>

8. Donate to USGBC’s Project HaitiLearn More >>